Meet Barbara Wood | She Knows A Thing Or Two About Ocean Lakes And Shark Teeth

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, along with their 5 daughters, opened this 310-acre campground on July 2, 1971 with only 30 campsites and 1 bathhouse. Today, we have 859 campsites, 2,569 beach houses, and 5 bathhouses. The Jackson's had a vision and they wanted all to enjoy God’s beautiful ocean.

Ocean Lakes Entrance - 1971

Ocean Lakes Entrance - 2019

Every now and then, we meet guests that have been vacationing with us since we opened in 1971. 48 years of loyalty, support, and lots of love. 

This week, we are taking you all back to 1971 with Barbara Wood. 

Meet Barbara Wood

Meet Barbara Wood | She Knows A Thing Or Two About Ocean Lakes

Q: How long have you lived in Ocean Lakes?

A: Well, permanently since 1983, but my husband and I started coming here once the campground opened in 1971.

Q: What changes in the campground have you been most excited for?

A: I see it improving all the time, and they have done such a beautiful job. I do not see it as a campground anymore, I think of it as a resort.

Q: What makes Ocean Lakes so special, what made you want to live here permanently?

A: Number one, we are from Ohio, which the seasons can be pretty brutal. We came here and always knew we were going to move here once we retired. We already had our friends here, we had our church, we had the tennis club, so we did not really have any transition. It was like coming home.

Q: Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Jackson?

A: Oh, we were very good friends. We were about the same age, and it was extremely hard on my husband when Mr. Jackson passed away.

Barbara Reminiscing on Memories with Mr. and Mrs. Jackson

Q: Do you have anything else you would like to add about Ocean Lakes?

A: I love living here, I love the teammates. Security looks after me, Maintenance looks after me. It is like family here.

Barbara with Kevin, Ocean Lakes' Operations Manager

Meet Barbara Wood | She Knows A Thing Or Two About Shark Teeth

Q: Are all of these shark teeth from Ocean Lakes’ beach?

A: Yes! We would go out every morning, and this was before the Beach Renourishment. We do not find as many now. There would be shell beds that were wonderful to get into. We would come in with a quarter to half a cup every day. Some are in pristine condition and some are broken. It is a fascinating hobby.

  Large Shark Tooth Found

Q: How long have you been collecting shark teeth?

A: Ever since 1971. It became a hobby for us.

Q: About how many teeth do you think you have collected over the years?

A: Thousands!

Q: Do you identify the teeth after you find them?

A: I did that originally, so I knew what they were. I have these three postcards that I bought from the Sandy Mart that show the different types of shark teeth. They are not made of this quality anymore, so I just hang on to what I have.

Front of Postcards from Sandy Mart

Q: What do you hope happens to all of these shark teeth?

A: They have all been donated to the Nature Center right here in Ocean Lakes.

One of the Many Jars Donated to the Nature Center

Q: What do you want others to take from your collection?

A: Well we just enjoyed collecting them, and when we found a nice one, that was a bonus for the day. I have had jewelry made from some of the nicer ones. It is a fun thing to do.

Necklaces made with Shark Teeth

Q: You mentioned you have collected thousands on our beach, but what other beaches have you collected shark teeth from?

A: Virginia, and the teeth from there are more of a pastel color from the water. Sharks have up to five rows of teeth and they lose the front row from their vicious attacking, then more grow and push them forward. My husband even made a clock out of the pastel shark teeth!

Clock made by Barbara's Husband

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add about the shark teeth?
A: I wish I could find more and get into another shell bed! I understand there was a gentleman in North Myrtle Beach that had a bonanza the other day!

Until Next Time | If you have not already, be sure to stop the Nature Center! Take a look at the shark teeth that have been graciously donated by Barbara Wood. While you are there, learn more about Ocean Lakes and the Jackson Family from our history section.