The Collins Trail

The Collins Trail. . , The Collins Trail is named after Marshall and Gussie Collins, a remarkable African American couple who owned a home and farmland near this trail that surrounds the Dare County Governmental Center., Marshall farmed, fished, crabbed, and worked as caretaker at the old Skyco Lodge, a privately owned lodge at Ashby's Harbor (now Skyco) located near the end of this trail. He also owned Marshall's Seafood, believed to be the first African American owned business in downtown Manteo. Gussie was a housewife who helped care for their ten children (8 boys and 2 girls)., The couple, known for their hard work, integrity, and devotion to family and friends, was respected and loved by both Blacks and Whites in the community. Their home was a welcoming place, where meals were often shared with family and friends. Their children could often be seen happily playing baseball with neighboring children David Stick and Louis Midgett, helping to break the stigmas of racial segregation that existed at the time. The Collins family also has a long history of military and community service., Each of Marshall and Gussie's sons, except a son who died as an infant, joined the service. Five served in the U.S. Coast Guard, one in the Army and one in the US Army Air Corp. Their son, Lieutenant Herbert Collins, a distinguished USCG Veteran, served as a surfman at the Pea Island Lifesaving Station during World War Il and helped to decommission the historic station in 1947. Their daughter, Naomi Augusta (Collins) Hester, worked for the Dare County school system. for several years and is still known for her outstanding and tireless work in the community., Marshall Collins was born in January 1898 and died in October 1968. Gussie (Berry) Collins was born in September 1896 and died in July 1959. They are remembered, even today, as role models in the community.