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race Evans first visited Oriental in 1961. She was part of the emerging sailing scene in the 60s and lived summers and weekends in the the old train depot building on Water St., facing the harbor (where Oriental Harbor Marina is now). “Everybody who lived there knew it was the best place to live,” Grace said, “it was a dump, but it had the best views.”

In 1975, Grace moved to Oriental full-time. Since then, Grace has been a Commissioner, founder of two sailing schools, co-founder and volunteer at the Oriental History Museum, a newspaper reporter, and even a truant officer.

She is recognized as the town’s unofficial historian. Grace has also been a volunteer and driving force behind several Oriental events and traditions.

Tuesday, Jan 14th, Grace turned 90. About 80-100 (an estimated 90) people from Oriental turned out to help her celebrate.

The party cake – with whipped icing – says it all.

Mayor Sally Belangia presents Grace with a proclamation from the Town of Oriental recognizing her contributions.

The Town proclamation lists several of Grace’s achievements and contributions.

Laura Turgeon, artist and baker, brought her drawing of Grace to delicious life.

Artist Laura Turgeon sees the world in a different way than most. In April 2019, Laura celebrated with a nod to Oriental’s Energizer bunny.

Grace and Laura celebrate.

Missy Tenhet holds a lit cupcake. It was the stand-in for the party cake.

Grace, Christmas 2019, when she brought back the tradition of the Tree of Names and Lights.

Grace wearing her dragon scarf at Chinese New Year, 2013.

Grace, blowing bubbles with her great-grand-daughter Katelyn in 2009.

At the Bond’s yearly watermelon-on-the-lawn event, 2008.

Here’s Grace sailing, circa 1980, in an Ericson 27.

Grace, mischievous with a glass of vino, 1980s.

Grace, ready for the 20s.

Grace Evans as a Meredith College girl, circa 1950.

Young Grace, early 1930s.

Posted Monday January 20, 2020 by Allison DeWeese