THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 20, 1996 TAG: 9607200236
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY CATHERINE KOZAK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ROANOKE ISLAND LENGTH: 69 lines
The list of suggestions for a new name for Ice Plant Island grew by nine Friday, but the proposed historic attraction will remain New World Park until October.
``I guess officially that's the name,'' said Deloris Harrell, the executive director of the Roanoke Island Commission. ``Until it's officially not the name.''
Although the Roanoke Island Commission voted in April to call the site New World Park, the tepid public response convinced members to seek more exciting titles.
The commission's marketing consultant had earlier advised the committee that Ice Plant Island - never an official title - was a confusing name and did not convey the historic significance of the site. He said New World Park was more marketable and reflective of history.
Following a flurry of faxes, calls and letters, the committee invited the public to its executive committee meeting Friday afternoon to offer alternatives. At last count, the commission has 107 names.
Moderator Frank White read the list to the 25 or so in the audience in a booming stage-worthy voice, occasionally sparking a giggle as he modulated dramatically.
``Here we go with the Raleighs: Raleigh's Dream. Raleigh's Eden. Raleigh's Venture. Raleigh Complex,'' White read in metronome-pace, then paused slightly. ``Raleigh World!,'' he exclaimed to laughter.
People also tittered at Tudorville and Transformation Destination.
The 116 alternate names included multiple submissions of Discovery Island, Heritage Harbor, Ice Plant Island, Legacy Island, Roanoke Landing, Roanoke Voyages Festival Park, The Roanoke Adventure and Treasure Island.
``Whoa, it's overwhelming - all these different names,'' said committee member Ed Greene. ``But no matter what you name it, somebody else is going to think it's not the right name.''
Southern Shores resident Pat Story, one of five people who spoke at the meeting, told the committee she thinks her suggestion Legacy Island ``is lyrical and easy to remember'' and another, Heritage Harbor, ``would look terrific in old English lettering.''
But Story also said the rejected Ice Plant Island shouldn't be summarily dismissed. ``It was affectionately accepted by locals for some time. And in truth, it WAS an ice plant.''
Michael Egan of Manteo said the site would be best represented if it was named in honor of the most significant of the aboriginal people of Roanoke Island. He suggested Chief Manteo Memorial Park, Chief Wanchese Memorial Park, or Algonquin Park.
Ice Plant Island, a 26-acre tract of wetland across from the Manteo waterfront, was the site of an ice production plant from 1912 through 1918. The Elizabeth II State Historic Site was opened on the land in 1983, and was joined by the Outer Banks History Center five years later.
In 1995, the state established the Roanoke Island Commission to oversee a $10 million appropriation from the General Assembly for a proposed historic project on Ice Plant Island. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by spring 1998.
The park will be a hands-on museum depicting early Native American and colonists' life on Roanoke Island. It will also feature artifacts, a bandstand, a combined gallery and meeting space, an extensive system of paths and walkways, and a theater showing a Hollywood-quality film dramatizing the conflict between the settlers and Indians.
Harrell said the commission members will all be sent copies of the updated name list and the marketing consultant's criteria in naming such an attraction. The full commission meets again Oct. 18, when a name will be chosen, Harrell said.
``It will be nice to get this resolved - to have a good name,'' Harrell said. ``At this point, I'm so saturated in names. I kept hoping that just one would be it.'' by CNB