. e Sound Trees 

 er Coastal Flair 



V V hat goes better with a Christmas tree than old St. Nick? 

 Perhaps a different, younger "Nick" with his own special Christmas creation. 

 Neal "Nick" Harvey of Davis has designed a truly unique holiday decoration — the Core 

 Sound Christmas tree. 



A former commercial fisherman, Harvey left the unpredictable seafood market in the 

 early 1 980s in search of more dependable income. He started up Harvey and Sons Net and 

 Twine, selling nets and trawls to locals still in the fishing business. 



When the market for nets and trawls declined, Harvey started marketing crab pots. 

 Within a few short years, the demand for crab pots declined as well, and Harvey again 

 was searching for new ways to generate income. 



The crab pots the Harveys made, and still make today, came in the fashionable colors 

 that crabbers like to use — from bright orange to the "old standard" green. The scraps of 

 green wire were the inspiration for Harvey's next business venture — the Core Sound Tree. 



Cutting the green mesh wire into triangles, Harvey fashioned a tree-shaped decoration 

 suitable for outdoor use. Stringing the tree with brilliantly colored lights, a new holiday 

 decoration was born that the locals lovingly refer to as the "crab pot" Christmas tree. 



The pre-lit trees have taken off in popularity and now decorate homes, yards and docks 

 from Long Island to Florida. 



Storing the trees is easy. Simply fold the tree flat without removing the lights. 

 The crab pot is mesh, designed to withstand submersion in salt water for up to five 

 years, so the trees hold up well to typical outdoor use. 



Although most people choose to display their trees outside, the trees may also be 

 decorated and enjoyed indoors. Down East, people have decorated their trees with shells, 

 colorful floats and pieces of net. Garland and ornaments adorn many others. The folding 

 design of the tree makes it a versatile display piece — it can be opened inside a comer, laid 

 flat against a wall, or wrapped around corners and doors. 



The trees are available in heights from 2 to 6 feet. Custom colors also are available to 

 suit every holiday need. Orange trees brighten fall displays; red, white and blue trees shine 

 patriotically; and pink and blue trees announce the birth of a child. 



Prices and ordering information can be found online at www.harveyandsons.com ororderby 

 phone at 800/428-7549. ® —E.S. 



living room mantel is adorned with a wreath 

 made of turkey feathers. 



Leffers migrated from Long Island to 

 Beaufort to teach school in the 18th century. 

 "In those days, school teachers were required 

 to be sober and discreet, and be a quality man," 

 says the tour guide. 



After the Revolutionary War, the militia 

 was disbanded in Beaufort. However, British 

 warships did not know the war was over and 

 came into the harbor. The British used Leffers' 

 schoolhouse for a meeting place, but burned it 

 before leaving town. 



It's a short walk down Turner Street to 

 Ann Street, where the white-framed Ann Street 

 Methodist Church is open for tours. 



Inside, there is a large Christmas tree and 

 a number of stained glass windows that reflect 

 Beaufort's maritime history, including anchors 

 and nautical directional signs. 



By the end of the tour, visitors realize that 

 downtown Beaufort streets, waterfront and 

 surroundings have changed little since the 

 early days. 



"No matter how many times you've been 

 to Beaufort, there is always something different 

 to see," says Suggs. □ 



The 2005 Carolina Walking Tour will 

 be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in 

 Beaufort. For a complete list of tour stops, 

 call 800/575-7483, 252/728-522; e-mail: 

 beaufortMstoricsite@eartlilink.net or visit the 

 Web: www.beauforthistoricsite.org. 



COASTWATCH 11 



