Newspapers / The New Bern Mirror … / Sept. 17, 1971, edition 1 / Page 1
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The NEW BERN m ilo^lonal Lil)rary 400 Johnson Tov Bern V.C 23%0 UUViy PUBLI8HID WIIKLY IN THI HIAIIT OP lASTBRN NORTH CAROLINA 5^ Per Copy VOLUME 14 NEW BERN, N. C., FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1971 NUMBER 27 Yesterday was when turning back the clock was an easy accomplishment for any traveler, if not entirely E leasant, who readied the tree- ordered banks of Neuse river, six miles north of New Bern. There, where low-hanging Spanish moss flourished like a hermit’s whiskers, Street’s ferry had survived the cen turies. What it did for George Washington it was now doing in obsolete awkwardness for fretful wajrfarers. Considering the fact that the Beneral once made a wintry crossing of the Delaware in an open sidff, it is reasonable to assume his voyage over the narrow Neuse during the April weather of 1791 was almost a lark. Modern motorists, ac customed to good roads and adequate bridges, weren’t in clined to be similarly agreeable. Whatever the reason, they scowled at the wheezy gas engine that had supplanted the poles of Washington’s era, and gazed uneasily at the cables used by the ferry along its rippling route. Their animosity was un derstandable. Frequently, the StateHiperated outfit ceased to function, bringing undue in convenience to countless citizens, particularly those hapless individuals who dwelled in the section between Spring Garden and Vanceboro. Since the distance from Vanceboro to New Bern, by way of Spring Garden, is several miles shorter than it is along heavily traversed U. S. High way 17, many motorists en dured the inconvenience of the ferry. Hiis draining of traffic from one of the most congested thoroughfares m the AOantic Coast made for safer driving. And, considering the frequent fatalities on the blood spattered stretch, safety was no minor factor. Street’s ferry, at best, was a costly antique. Only a small percentage of North Carolina’s population had occasion to ride on it, and fume at its limitations, but every Tar Heel taxpayer contribute to the upkeep. A fortune was spent through the years for repairs, replacements, and main- teance. Residents of the section complained over the un disputed fact that the ferry was ofte out of commission. In many instances a motorist wasn’t aware of his jM^edicament until he arrived at the river bank. Instead of shortening his trip, as he planned to do, the (hsgruntlM traveler was forced to double bade for miles, and then take the Irnig way around anyhow. By this time he was fit to te tied. Extremely unfortunate were the occasions when an ill person was involved. Often told was the story of a man who was woefully sick, and headed fu* the home of relatives. He coultki’t get across the ferry, and sat in the darkness for an I Continued on page H) BUDDING STAR—There’s a story bdiind this previously unpublished photo. The oriental dancer seen performing in the 1950 edition of New Bern High school’s Roman Banquet, presented by Latin students of Mrs. Laura Rhodes, was destined for bigger things. Later, Mickey Gunnersen appeared on Broadway in Pajama Game and Pink Tights, and in a Benny Goodman TV spectacular. Swing To Spring. She made her stage debut at five in the metme Revue. A A iKirkirkirkirk-kifk-k-kirk A A ★★★★
The New Bern Mirror (New Bern, N.C.)
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Sept. 17, 1971, edition 1
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