Rose Buddies

"A Legend In Hospitality"

The complimentary city docks were completed in 1983 as donations from various businesses and individuals. You can see who sponsored your slip by looking at the stone imbedded in the walk along the bulkhead.

Two long-time residents of Elizabeth City, Fred Fearing and Joe Kramer, decided one Sunday after church in 1983, shortly after completion of the docks, to have an impromptu wine and cheese party for the visiting boaters. Joe, who raised roses as a hobby, stopped by his house and clipped 17 buds for the visiting "First Mates" while Fred rounded up wine, cheese, chips, dip, and cups. Meeting at the dock, Fred and Joe hosted the first party for those 17 boats and crew. Since that time the tradition has grown strictly by word of mouth along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Joe Kramer has passed away. His rose bushes were transplanted to the Mariner's Wharf area where they still provide the rose blooms for the ladies aboard. A perpetual care fund has been established to care for the roses, and a gardner still oversees their care.

Fred, a retired mail carrier, became the "Senior Rose Buddy" and drove the Rose Buddy Golf Cart around the docks as he greeted the visitors. He was a walking history museum; answering questions about the Dismal Swamp Canal and Elizabeth City. His singular efforts were responsible for much of the tourism literature distributed. Fred has also passed away now, but other residents maintain the tradition of Elizabeth City's Rose Buddies, helping to make Elizabeth City the friendliest city on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Rose Buddy Golf Cart was a gift from Willard Scott, NBC Weatherman, when he visited Elizabeth City years ago and did a short TV clip on the Rose Buddies.

Rose Buddies, identified by their shirts and Mariner's Wharf caps, are not associated with Elizabeth City government, or the Chamber of Commerce in any way. They are private citizens interested in meeting boaters and convincing them this is just a little bit of Heaven. They'll be happy to answer your questions about services, restaurants, laundromats, or other local information to make your stay a litle more pleasant.

Please, as a courtesy to your fellow boaters, the Rose Buddies ask if the docks are full, observe the 48-hour time limit so that others may enjoy Elizabeth City. Have a most pleasant stay and trip to other ports.