Ceremony held for Marshall and Gussie Collins Walkway

Published 11:23 am Monday, April 29, 2024

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Descendants of Marshall and Gussie Collins gather along the trail to honor their family members. Shown, from left, are Javier Orellana (husband of Joan Collins), Deborah Jefferson (granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie Collins); Sharon Warner (daughter of Deborah and great-granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie Collins); Joan Collins (sister to Deborah and granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie Collins). Summer Stevens photo

The Marshall and Gussie Collins Walkway was constructed in 2017. At a ceremony last Friday, community members gathered to honor the couple after whom the trail was named, and to celebrate new interpretive signs along the scenic walkway. Summer Stevens photo

Bill Husted, member of the Dare County Trails Committee, explained the seven new signs that have been placed throughout the 1.5 mile scenic trail, from the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center to the Coastal Studies Institute. Summer Stevens photo

Deborah Jefferson, granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie Collins, shares about the Collins family and her experiences with them in her early childhood years. Summer Stevens photo

New interpretive signs along the walkway give information about native animal and plant life found in the region, as well as share information about the people who lived in the area in the early part of the twentieth century. Summer Stevens photo

The trail is well marked with posts featuring a blue dot and a directional arrow. Summer Stevens photo

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Community members gathered Friday afternoon, April 5 at the Marshall and Gussie Collins Walkway trailhead in Manteo to learn about the couple to whom the scenic walkway is dedicated, and to celebrate new interpretive signs along trail.

The Dare County Trails Committee, which is made up of a few dedicated volunteers, worked together with the NC Department of Transportation, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, and the Meekins Charitable Trust to design, print and install seven signs along the trail to highlight the native plants and animals that live beside beautiful woodlands and marsh as well as to educate the public about the people who owned and cared for the land for decades.

Deborah Jefferson, granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie, and her daughter Sharon Warner, shared some personal stories about the lives of the Collins family in the early 1900s.

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Marshall and Gussie Collins were born in the late 1800s. According to their granddaughter, who lived with them on Roanoke Island for several years during her youth, the couple were part of a small non-white community on Roanoke Island consisting of people who were descendants of enslaved and free people of color.

“My grandfather was viewed as a gentle and gentlemanly dark-skinned man who probably knew about as many different things as any person ever known. He farmed, fished, crabbed, and did odd jobs wherever he could to take care of his family,” Jefferson said.

Marshall and Gussie had 10 children, two of whom died in infancy and childhood. Jefferson remembers her grandparents as reserved yet very loving and caring. They were well regarded by their community, known for their integrity and honorable values.

Marshall was believed to be the first black person to own a business in downtown Manteo, opening Marshall’s Seafood in 1932. According to Jefferson, an article in The Coastland Times on January 16, 1938 titled “Marshall Collins honored by white and colored” stated that he was one of the most highly respected citizens of color.

At one point, Marshall Collins owned about 400 acres of land on Roanoke Island, buying small parcels at a time. “His hope was to leave it to his eight children upon his death,” Jefferson said. However, Jefferson said a great majority of her grandfather’s land was “stolen” through eminent domain to build the Croatan Sound Bridge. The family was unsuccessful in court and ultimately, Jefferson said, accepted devalued land payment.

The Dare County Courthouse and Administrative offices were also originally part of the Collins’s property.

“I’m sure my grandparents would be pleased with the Collins Trail. Each time I return to Manteo I always walk the trail with my sister Joan [Collins]. It’s always emotional and tranquil at the same time. Knowing them, I know they would be humbled and embarrassed by the attention at the same time,” Jefferson said.

Jefferson’s daughter Sharon Warner, great-granddaughter of Marshall and Gussie, shared about her grandparents’ unwavering commitment to kindness and love for their family and their community.

“Their dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit paved the way for their success and inspired those around them to dream big and never give up on their goals,” Warner said. “Perhaps what truly set Marshall and Gussie apart was their deep love for the Town of Manteo. This beautiful place had special spot in their hearts and they worked tirelessly to contribute to its growth and prosperity. This walkway of land that was gifted to the Town of Manteo is a testament to their love for this community and their desire to see it thrive for generations to come.”

The trail spans about 1.5 miles along wooded areas and along marshlands. It was built in 2017 with the purpose of connecting the Dare County Government Center to the Visitor’s Center, and on through to the Coastal Studies Institute.

A section of the trail passes the Willis Family Cemetery, the original Collins Homestead and the Skyco Airport, which used before the north end Dare County airport was built. Signs with arrows and a blue dot mark the scenic pathway.

The trailhead is located near the Virginia S. Tillet Community Center at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo.

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