I took the following photo of island native Jesse Spencer just a few weeks ago as he was tending to his nets. Things haven't changed all that much in the last 50 years, although the wooden poles have been replaced by PVC pipe, and there wasn't a golf cart in the background of the 1960s photo!
Out latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Aleta, Ocracoke's mailboat from 1944-1952, compliments of the Core Sound Museum. Click on the following link for photos, text, and audio recordings about this iconic vessel: http://www.coresound.com/saltwaterconnections/portlight/aleta/
Are golf carts allowed to operate on the public roads? Do the golf carts need proper brakes, rear view mirror and head lights if operated on public roads. Does the operator need a drivers license? Do golf cart operators need proof of insurance? Are there any special fees paid by golf cart operators if they drive on the public roads? Are there special golf cart paths on OI to mitigate accidents with cars? The use of golf carts in some communities without rules in place -- often by people that have lost a drivers license due to DUI and such, pose a threat to public safety. How safe is OI with the rampant use of golf carts?
ReplyDeleteFrom OcracokeObserver.com:
DeleteGolf cart rules
To drive a golf cart, it is the law that you must be at least 16 years old. Being 15 years old with a driver’s permit does not apply. Most golf cart rental businesses require a person to be an 18-year-old licensed driver.
Golf carts may pull over to the right and stop to let traffic pass, but they must come to a full stop.
Daniels [our deputy sheriff] said that about 75 percent of the DWIs on Ocracoke are given to golf-cart drivers. For that infraction, you lose your license and your golf cart.
It is very important not to be impaired when you drive. Ocracoke Village is small enough that you can walk home if need be.
A law for golf carts especially important for children under 8 years old is to wear a seat belt. Infants must have their appropriate seat strapped in. And all children need their own place to sit (not on your lap).
Golf carts are not allowed on the bike path, on Highway 12 past Howard’s Pub, or in the Community Cemetery.
a while back a friend of mine sent me a picture of a pony standing on a arched foot bridge with railings on the side of it that spanned part of Silver Lake. I think the picture was taken in 1938. He had another picture of just the bridge but this time it didn't have any railings on it, again it was taken in the 30's. how wide were these bridges? clearly wide enough for a horse. What about a wagon? The lighthouse was in one of these pictures. Why would ocracoke even need a bridge like these? Anyway they were interesting.
ReplyDeleteI will respond to this comment in a future post. Stay tuned!
DeleteI don't think I've ever seen a photo of a pony on one of the foot bridges. I am hoping you will send it to me at info@villagecraftsmen.com. Thanks in advance.
DeleteI'll see if I can have the photo sent to me again. I know he found it on line..and if it's on the internet you know it's there forever.
ReplyDelete