This is adapted in from Philip Howard’s work.

Click here to read the full newsletter post on the Island Inn and Lodge No 194.  

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1897-1901

Michael Lawrence Piland (1861-1920) helps establish Ocracoke Lodge No. 194, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, an international fraternal order and trustees purchase a one-acre tract from James and Zilphia Howard.  Island carpenter Charlie Scarborough builds a two-story wood frame “Greek Revival” building;  the Odd Fellow’s Lodge is housed on the second floor. Public school was held on the first floor.  

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1917

The Lodge thrives until Piland’s death in 1920 when it becomes dormant and is eventually dissolved.  Benjamin O’Neal buys the building to use as a private residence and contracts with Charlie Scarborough to move it 600 feet to its present location. 

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1940’s

Island native and businessman Stanley Wahab (1888-1967), buys the building for $700.  He opens the first commercial business in the building, the Wahab Coffee Shop, with soda fountain and ice cream bar. It becomes a popular island gathering place and dance hall, the Beachcomber’s Club. Rooms upstairs became a boarding house.  During WWII the upper floor is rented as a Navy Officers Club called the ” Crow’s Nest.”  In 1948, he moves decommissioned former Navy barracks to the property, and attaches them to the southwest side of the building.  

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1950s

Wahab adds a two-story wing for more guest rooms and a dining room. The “New Silver Lake Inn,” offers “rooms with private or connecting bath, studio apartments furnished for housekeeping, complete restaurant, and excellent cuisine.”  In 1957 Ruth and Bill Cochran move to Ocracoke to manage the Silver Lake Inn.  Wilber Gaskill works in the kitchen, Gaynelle Tillet and Geneva Odom are waitresses and Lizzie Scarborough in the housekeeper.

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1960s-90s

In 1960 entrepreneur Doward Brugh purchases the property and renames it the Island Inn.  From 1965–1970 George and Emilie Wilkes own and operate the Inn, then sell it to Bill and Helen Styron purchase the Inn. In 1978 native islander Larry Williams, and his partner, Foy Shaw, buy the Inn. Chester Lynn manages the restaurant. In the late 1980s luxury suites and a swimming pool are built across the road. The suites are later converted to condos.  

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2010-2018

After personal, financial, and banking issues threaten a foreclosure auction Thomas Storrs purchases the inn. Family members operate the business for several years.  In 2015 the Inn goes on the market again, with major repairs needed.  In 2018 an ad hoc committee approaches the  Ocracoke Preservation Society to purchase the Inn and  save it from destruction.  The OPS Board votes to proceed with support from the Occupancy Tax and TDA Boards.

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