The Virginian-Pilot
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Santa Claus doesn't live here, Virginia, but you were invited.
In the 1970s, Coastland Corp. took a swampy, marshy area of land in Perquimans County, cleared and raised it, then named it Holiday Island.
The plan was to create an affordable resort community along the Albemarle Sound for Virginians, said Ken Ries, a resident.
"They made up the name to have appeal for marketing," Ries said. "We were one of the early invitees."
In 1973, Ries was serving in the Navy and living in Virginia Beach when he purchased a lot on Holiday Island.
In 1976, Ries began building.
The island itself was divided into different camping and residential sections, but Ries said that in the early years, visits to the cottage meant camping in its shell.
Over the years, however, the cottage was improved and expanded. And in 1993, Ries retired to Holiday Island with his wife.
They join many who have made Holiday Island their permanent home.
Lauren King, (252) 338-2413, lauren.king@pilotonline.com
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