THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 2, 1995 TAG: 9506300295
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 38 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Center
Capt. Toby Tillet wasn't the first to carry cars and trucks across
Oregon Inlet on his ferry, but he took over the route in 1924,
within a few months of its inauguration. His terminals were movable;
note the bow ramp for receiving and discharging automobiles at the
most eligible spot on the beach or in the marsh. His boats were
small. The one shown (probably the New Inlet) carried no more than
four or five cars. His schedule was flexible. Despite a state
subsidy, begun in 1934, he often fished on the north side of the
inlet until a traveler happened along or caught his eye by hoisting
a signal at the Pea Island landing. Even so, he kept traffic flowing
for more than a quarter-century. The state Highway Department bought
out Capt. Tillet in 1950 and replaced his wooden boats, first with
converted Navy LSTs and finally, in 1963, with the Herbert Bonner
Bridge.
by CNB