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Anderson and Stockton Midgett to be honored at Chamber's Annual Meeting
Anderson and Stocky Midgett were named Outer Banks Citizen of the Year by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and RBC at the chamber's annual awards banquet and dinner October 1, 2008 at the Penguin Isle Restaurant in Nags Head. Pictured left to right: Anderson and Stocky Midgett; Charles Evans, RBC; Danny Couch of Hatteras Island; and Jeff Malarney, 2007-2008 Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Chair. |
Outer Banks Sentinel, September 30, 2008
Anderson and Stockton Midgett have been named the 2008 Outer Banks Citizens of the Year by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and RBC Bank. The announcement was made at the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards dinner held Wednesday, October 2, 2008 at Penguin Isle Restaurant in Nags Head.
The Midgett brothers were founding members of what is now known as the Outer Banks Association of Realtors and Stockton, the younger brother by four years, is the only 40 year active realtor of Dare County. The brothers have done many, many things to help Hatteras. They helped in creating the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as well as beginning the first Hatteras to Manteo Bus line in 1937. They are supporters of the Graveyard of the Atlantic; they have sold a property giving proceeds to the museum. A gallery at the museum is named in their honor.
Hatteras Island Historian Danny Couch told stories of the Midgett brothers during the event. He talked about the brothers ability to recognize opportunities and the value of tourism long before there were paved roads and bridges on Hatteras Island.
“These two had a can do attitude that would not allow them to quit. They understand the value of treating their customers right and creating an experience,” said Couch.
In July 1938, a 17 year old Anderson and 13 year old Stocky began the Manteo-Hatteras Bus Line with their brother Harold.
“These industrious teenagers ferried passengers, packages, laundry and just about anything you can think of up and down the vast expanse of sand banks we call Hatteras Island,” said Couch. “They were as dependable as the rising and falling of the tide, for 35 years. During this stretch they provided an outstanding quality of life experience here on the Outer Banks and were among our first modern-day tourism ambassadors.”
One of the stories told was about how a late season hurricane stranded the bus at Little Kinnakeet. Not wanting to lose another bus in saturated sand, Anderson led them on foot to the Little Kinnakeet Coast Guard Station where they all spent the night. Anderson, ever the gentleman, made them a pineapple upside down cake for dessert, and as the winds howled outside at hurricane force one of them said it was the best cake they ever had.
“They recognized the importance of genuine hospitality and have spent their lifetime looking for the hot buttons…the sizzle that would create a memorable experience for their guests. From fishing to surfing, events such as the Pirates Jamboree, opportunities to share stories and history, they were some of the first and most effective marketing tools the Outer Banks has ever had.”
In the late 1950s, the Midgett Brothers started one of the oldest real estate companies still operating on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Stocky and Anderson were pioneers in selling the sizzle. They knew that the history, heritage, and natural beauty were the key in developing the Outer Banks into the world-class resort we are today.
Stocky Midgett was recently also honored by the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS as the only active 40 year Realtor on the Outer Banks. He was the first person in Dare County to sit for the North Carolina Real Estate Exam. He and Anderson were charter members of the original 8-9 person group that formed the forerunner of our Realtor Association, then called the Dare County Board of Real Estate Brokers.
The Midgett Brothers have also been involved in the Outer Banks Masonic Lodges or Shriners, the consolidation of Dare County Schools, The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Oregon Inlet Bridge, The Pirates Jamboree, the Dare County Tourism Board now known as the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Nags Head Surf Fishing Tournament, the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, the Hatteras Marlin Club, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Tournament, volunteer fire departments on Hatteras Island, the Hatteras Island Medical Center, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
~Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce