{Seven Mile Island – June 1985}
Walking through her parents’ elegant dining room and into the large kitchen, Elizabeth looked at her watch and became alarmed that it was already 6:20 p.m. and the boys were not home yet. “Mark, do you think we should drive up to the beach to see what’s keeping Johnny and Wayne?”
Mark, who was sitting out on the deck, held his right index finger up in the air in a gesture that communicated, “Just a second, Liz.” At that very moment, he was enjoying ice-cold shrimp with cocktail sauce that Christine had just prepared. After wiping his face, he turned to his wife and responded, “Don’t worry so much, Liz. The boys know that we are having dinner at seven. Let’s give them a little more time to get home before we call in the cavalry for help.” He then added with a big grin, “If the boys knew that we were having these wonderful shrimp as an appetizer, they definitely would have been home earlier.”
As if on cue, the boys ran across the yard and up the porch steps onto the deck.
“Guess what?” Wayne yelled. “We won the volleyball tournament!” With huge smiles on their faces, the brothers started singing the chorus of one of their favorite songs, “We Are the Champions” by Queen.
The adults congratulated the boys and were pleasantly surprised to hear that Wayne and Johnny also won the gift certificate.
“That’s really great, boys. Now, please hurry and wash up for dinner,” said Mark.
Grandpa added, “I’m proud of you two. Wow, I wish I could have seen the action. What are you going to purchase with your prize voucher?”
From the main floor’s powder room, Wayne replied, “Well, we’re hoping to get a small trolling motor that we can hook up to your old dinghy, if that’s OK, Grandpa?”
“That sounds like a great idea, boys. I’m happy that you want to use the rowboat this summer.”
Johnny chimed in, “After our last game, we spoke to the tournament sponsor. He’s a really nice guy who has run the Anchorage Marina for many years. He told us we could use the first prize certificate to eat at his marina’s outdoor dining room, rent one of his small fishing boats, or even get some bait, tackle, or fuel.
“We told him that we planned to use your dinghy out in the bay this summer, and we were hoping to get a small trolling motor for it.”
“Boy, were we glad when he told us that he had a slightly used trolling motor for sale that runs great and has enough power to easily propel the dinghy. While the gift certificate isn’t enough to purchase the seventy-nine-dollar motor, he said that we could use it as a down payment. So, to buy the motor, we still need twenty-nine dollars.”
Wayne told his family that he and his brother had two ideas for earning the additional money to pay for the motor. “Well, if we keep winning volleyball tournaments, then we’re bound to get more gift certificates.” With a shy smile, he added, “But we understand that we can’t count on that.”
Johnny then explained how they planned to earn money by catching crabs and selling them to Sharp’s Fruits & Vegetables. “You see, after the tournament, we met another older guy on the beach, Mr. Sharp. He was searching for treasures with his metal detector. He told us that he owned the fruit and vegetable market on the causeway.”
Wayne added, “That’s right, Dad. He told us that if we catch blue crabs in the bay this summer, he’ll pay us thirty cents for each crab as long as they are large and healthy. He sells them at his market. Johnny and I figure that by using the trolling motor, we can take the dinghy farther into the tidal marsh and catch a ton of crabs!”
As they continued talking about the day’s excitement, the family members gathered around the large outdoor table for dinner. Before anyone ate, Grandpa said a short prayer. He not only gave thanks for the meal but also said how thankful he was to have the family together for the summer.
After everyone was situated with their plates of food, Mark addressed his sons. “OK, boys, I’ll lend you the additional money for the motor. But I want you to pay me back. Also, we’re going to purchase a first aid kit and an emergency flare for the boat because safety always comes first.”
The boys eagerly agreed to their father’s proposal, and then the excited brothers spoke about a boat safety class that they had completed earlier that month back at home. Specifically, they discussed how their instructor spent a great deal of time explaining the importance of having an emergency first aid kit on every boat.
Wayne added, “You just never know when an accident might occur, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!” He then looked directly into his father’s eyes and, with a slight smile on his face, said, “Johnny and I will definitely be safe on the dinghy. We have our boat safety certificates. Plus, we’ve spent our whole lives watching you out on your boat, and we’ve definitely learned from the best!”
Mark coughed in response to his son’s exaggerated compliment, then simply responded, “OK, Wayne, it’s time to eat your dinner.”
As the family enjoyed their meal, Wayne asked Grandpa whether he knew Mr. Sharp.
“Yes, I know Frank. Actually, Christine and I met him shortly after we moved here. I guess it was sometime after the big storm that I mentioned earlier.”
Johnny asked Grandpa if Mr. Sharp had ever found anything valuable with his metal detector.
“Heck, yes! Just last summer, I was sitting up on the beach reading a good book and enjoying life. Anyways, when I got home, I realized that my Seiko wristwatch was missing. Well, I knew that I had worn it to the beach, but I must have taken it off when I went for a swim. I immediately went back to look for it, but it was nowhere in sight. As I was about to leave, I saw Frank with his metal detector on the beach, and I explained my dilemma. Within no time at all, Frank located my watch in the sand. I was very grateful that Frank found it since it truly is one of my most treasured possessions.”
Wayne said, “Really?” to which Grandpa explained, “Yes, it is. You see, your grandma gave me the watch as an anniversary gift a few years ago.”
With that, Lisa said, “Wow, Mr. Sharp is a real treasure hunter!”
Wayne pressed further. “Wow, that’s great that he helped you out, but do you know if Mr. Sharp has ever found anything really cool? You know, like chests filled with coins and jewelry, or even muskets and swords? You know what I mean, pirate stuff!”
Grandpa looked at the boys with amusement. Silently, he acknowledged that while his grandsons were very bright and mature at times, they still were just 12-year-old boys. He then responded, “As far as I know, Mr. Sharp has not yet struck it rich by treasure hunting. But it wouldn’t surprise me if someday he finds something really valuable.”
As the group finished their dinner, Lisa politely excused herself so that she and her girlfriend could walk to the nearby miniature golf venue on Dune Drive. After their long day at the beach, the boys were content staying put at their grandparents’ home and eating delicious bowls of ice cream that Grandma had served them for dessert.
After cleaning the table and washing the dinner dishes, the adults and the boys relaxed on the back deck, where they enjoyed friendly conversation along with warm beverages.
Knowing that Johnny and Wayne were interested in Frank’s treasure-hunting efforts, Grandpa addressed his grandsons. “Well, boys, did you know that New Jersey has had its fair share of pirate activity over the years? It’s true.”
Grandpa then leaned closer. “I have several books on this topic. In fact, during the late 1600s, the infamous pirate Captain William Kidd was believed to have buried a huge treasure on one of the state’s coastal islands. And another famous pirate named Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, sailed the coastal waters of New Jersey around that time. Who knows, possibly both of these bandits buried their loot on Seven Mile Island!”
As the boys listened to their grandfather’s words and continued to ask questions, it was obvious that Mark and Dylan really enjoyed the boys’ excitement and curiosity on this stirring topic.
Grandpa then said, “Who knows, maybe Mr. Sharp is looking for war relics, too.”
In response, Johnny asked, “What do you mean?”
Grandpa continued, “As we briefly discussed the other day, when I first met your grandma, our country was at war, and many Americans feared that warships and airplanes from Germany and Japan would invade our country.”
Wayne interjected, “We learned about World War Two in history class last year.”
Johnny jokingly corrected him by saying, “Well, at least I learned about the war!”
In response, Wayne gave him a firm push.
“Settle down, boys!” scolded Mark.
The boys quickly calmed down, knowing their parents did not like it when they argued or roughhoused in front of their grandparents.
Wayne said, “Our teacher told us that the war with Germany took place in Europe, and the war with Japan was in Asia and the Pacific islands.”
Their grandfather leaned back and began to question the boys about the war. “I hope your teacher mentioned Pearl Harbor.”
Johnny said, “Yes, we learned that it’s on the island of Oahu, which is a part of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. We spent several days discussing how Japan attacked the large US naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.”
Wayne added, “Hawaii wasn’t a state yet, but it was one of our country’s territories. After it was attacked by the Japanese, the United States was forced to enter the war.”
“Well, I’m glad that you learned that important information,” said Grandpa. “Did your teacher happen to mention how the Germans also attacked close to our shores?”
The boys said no, reacting with surprise.
Grandpa continued, “The Germans had a very advanced navy that included over a thousand submarines called U-boats. These frightening war machines wreaked havoc by traveling silently underwater. While submerged, the U-boats would fire torpedoes at enemy naval ships as well as neutral freight and passenger ships. For several years, Hitler’s U-boats were truly just like pirates!
“I’ve always believed that Hitler was the most evil and deplorable of all pirates and that Germany’s military was his own personal pirate ship. It seems that he wasn’t satisfied with just ruling Germany. He wanted more. In my opinion, he was really just a monstrous bully who invaded his European neighbors at will. At first, the countries were frightened of ‘Pirate Hitler.’ But eventually, they just got fed up with him and decided to fight back. The really sad thing is that this evil pirate’s actions caused enormous devastation, destruction, and death all over the world.”
“Grandpa, are you talking about how the United States, England, and France fought Germany?” asked Johnny.
“Yes, those allied countries, along with many more. Initially, the US sent large cargo ships full of supplies to help our friends in Europe. Countries such as England and the Soviet Union were in desperate need of assistance. So, we sent them food, clothing, and military aid. But this was not enough to stop the Pirate Hitler. When he found out that the US was helping his enemies, he ordered his U-boats into the Atlantic to destroy our convoys. In fact, on October 31st, 1941, one of his U-boats sank an American ship called the USS Reuben James. It was a destroyer that was guarding a convoy of supply vessels near Iceland. It was destroyed by just one German torpedo!”
Wayne seemed disgusted, and he asked, “Did this make Americans mad?”
Grandpa reflected. “Yes, but it also frightened many Americans. There was just no telling where or when the Germans would sink the next vessel. It was even reported that our ships were being sunk right off the eastern coast of the United States!”
“Was that why the US decided to go to war against Germany?” asked Johnny.
Grandpa gingerly said, “Well, it was certainly a strong factor in deciding whether to fight Pirate Hitler. People were upset that his U-boats roamed the seas like packs of wolves and then preyed on defenseless vessels.”
Johnny persisted. “When did the US and Germany go to war?”
As Grandpa began discussing how Germany declared war on the United States several days after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Mark interrupted by saying, “Boys, I love the fact that you want to learn more about our country’s history. But it’s getting late, and it is now time for bed. Say good night.”
Before the boys walked upstairs, Grandpa added, “Hey, just remember who won the war. You know, the good guys!” He smiled and added, “And boys, to answer your question about war relics here on Seven Mile Island, it’s certainly a possibility. Back in 1942, we heard that just down the coast near Cape May, German U-boats sank 10 US merchant ships very close to the shoreline. In fact, debris from those wrecks littered the region’s beaches for months. One fellow actually found one of the sunken ship’s ring buoys that washed up on Avalon’s beach! That’s what I meant when I said that Mr. Sharp might also be searching for war relics here on the island.”
Grandpa then told both boys that he loved them just before they ran upstairs to get ready for bed. He then turned to Mark and said, “Sorry for going on so long about the war. I hope that I haven’t scared the boys.”
“They’ll be fine. Do you want another cup of coffee?”
As the men continued enjoying the peaceful evening, Mark asked, “Was there anything you could do here on the barrier islands to try to stop the U-boats?”
Dylan responded, “We did a number of things. First, there were mandated curfews all along the oceanfront communities. The coastal residents had to turn off their lights and radios at night because, during the war, many Atlantic ships relied on the lights and sounds from the beachfront towns to navigate at night. This included the Nazi U-boats! By leaving our lights and radios on, it made it easier for the subs to navigate the merchant shipping channels and then sink our ships. We hoped and prayed that our actions would prevent the U-boats from finding their targets.”
“Was there anything else that you could do?” asked Mark.
“Well, the Civil Air Patrol flew airplanes and blimps up and down the coastline to try to locate U-boats.”
Christine, who had remained contently quiet during the conversation, proudly spoke up. “Mark, did you know that Dylan was a volunteer Civil Air Patrol pilot here in New Jersey before we were married? His job was to search for enemy ships and U-boats!”
“Wow, you never told me that,” expressed Mark with genuine respect and appreciation for Dylan’s service. “Thanks for helping to protect our country, Dylan.”
After Lisa came home, the adults finished their drinks, and everyone agreed that it was time to retire for the night.