On any given day, Ernie was a sailor, cattle baron, salvage specialist, hunter, fisherman, legal expert and elected official all at once.
Born just after the end of World War I, his memories stretched from the isolation of the early twentieth century through the glamor of the world-famous duck clubs of the area, the storms that have shaped the Outer Banks’ modern-day geography, to its popularity today as a vacation destination that draws millions each year.
Aided by author Clark Twiddy, President of Twiddy and Company, Ernie told the tales of a unique life spent in this unique place in Memories of the Currituck Outer Banks: As Told by Ernie Bowden from Arcadia Publishing.
The book was published in 2021 and is available from stores up and down the Outer Banks and online.
Clark and I talked last summer in a podcast about the stories Ernie shared.
Funeral arrangements are pending. We’ll have more details as they become available.