From Bath High School Preservation

Some 400 people gathered on Feb.22  in Jerol Selby’s Farm Shop, east of Bath, to enjoy Bath High School Preservation’s 16th Annual Oyster Roast.  As promised, patrons could eat all they could hold of steamed oysters with sauce made famous by Jack Wallace, chili, seafood gumbo, and hot dogs.  Cash bars featured beverages and desserts. Old-timey hoop cheese and nuts were a handy snack between bowls of food.

The building was filled with music, laughter and lots of conversation. Many regulars have enjoyed the Oyster Roast for numerous years, while newcomers jumped right in with great appetites and big smiles.  Old friends enjoyed sharing memories of school days and catching up with old acquaintances.

A ten-item raffle produced the following winners: a ½-day fishing trip with Capt. David Mason (Pam & Stuart Flanagan), a 4-hour eco-tour off the coast of Beaufort with Capt. Jess Hawkins (Rod Bowen), a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun from BHSP (Pam & Stuart Flanagan), a Henry Classic .22 rifle from BHSP (Roy Chrismon), a Glock handgun from BHSP (Cheryl Hayes), a $100 gift card and wine from Marabella’s of Washington (Tandy Dunn), a $100 gift card at Ribeye’s of Washington and a basket of wine (Johnnie Williams), a Hatteras Hammock (Bobby Roberson), a handmade Pine Entry Table, made by Gregory Holmes (Norma Cox), and a 3-night stay at the Parkway Farmhouse near West Jefferson (Faith and Robert Moore).

One very happy young man left with $595 in the 50/50 drawing. The Silent Auction, with many interesting items led to a shopping experience for all.
A new T-shirt was created for the event, and it was well received. Doug Alligood had the idea for the shirt; Shawn Watters designed the artwork for the shirt; and, Holly Alligood printed the shirts. Three BHS alumni helping the cause.

Some ninety volunteers set up the venue for the comfort and pleasure of visitors, cooked and served delicious food and wished a pleasant “good night” to satisfied diners.  BHSP is on the verge of completing an upstairs’ project to house the Overboard After-School Learning Program, and space for others who are looking for a business venue.

The fundraising events, such as the Oyster Roast, help to supplement the dollars raised by grants, memberships and donations.  Upon completion of the upstairs’ project, the attention will be directed to the auditorium, possibly the most interesting endeavor of the total renovation.

BHSP is striving to complete its rehabilitation mission, which is “a historical setting where the community comes together for social, educational and economic opportunities.”

It is with much gratitude that BHS Preservation expresses appreciation to the many community friends who have stuck by this group and supported its efforts.