The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1952-07-25
THE HATTERAs ISLAND THAT WE KNEW.

For those of who have always loved every mile of
the lonely and lovely coasand OF North Carolina and who
have reveed in its charm and beauty through the years.
there has been inward feeling of regret at the pass
ing of this great region knew it. 1t is wonderful
region natural beauty worthy of the love and esteem
of the nation and deserving of the finest care and pro-
lection The ravages time of civilization, and of erosion
by wind and have long since destroyed much of the
best of it we have loved so well.
Unfortunately through the years the people of this
region this county and this state have never been in po
stion to save Many of people have cared to
save it. Some who might have done have been financially
unable keep it, and to protect and preserve it. When
conditions grew restricted they do from time to time
when money needed little by little of it sold off,
always of to people from distant Places to people
financially able to buy and hold indefinitely, and able
to keep up the it, yet always within their legal
rights any time to restrict they fit to pro-
hibit its use by any and ALL if they so desired
Today matter of record that of the so miles of
beautiful frontage bahed by the Atlantic from Hat
teras Inlet to Oregon Inlet barely two miles remain in the
hands of the people of Hatteras Island Of the 48 miles
not owned controlled the people of Hatteras Island
inst about all of is owned by people not even of North
Carolina. T. '"~-- -
Out of some 617O acres of land between Creeds Hill
Coast Guard station privately owned and the aban
doned Big Knnekeet station to ngures Gomped
700 remain m the hands of the residents Of this 6lOO
New York man alone owns 2271 acres Others
in New York and other cities along with him total
of 536 This 5436 includes of course land
publicly owned This 61O0 speak of contains in
its bounds entirely all the wooded of Hateras Island
If there any way to prevent the pitifu 700 re-
manning from falling into alien hands the other
fallen would say up tight for and keep
it for the of the citizens But there be warranty
this will be DONE and the of the 700 remaining
may any day sell them to people in Chicago Brook
n of any other place should they desire and did
opportunity present And then what? No citizen of the
whole island might go the except by permission
There is nothing be gained of by the repeated
airing of the views of persons both sides of the fence
Whichever way the subject is concluded mean little
to However always willing to print the views
of opposing parties. We say most assuredy however
that the most vigorous parsans of either side have not
gotten the full picture mind Many people express what
they believe to be facts without having had opportunity
to study the records and the figures without having
opportunity to become thoroughly familiar with the law
What we would like to for the well informed rep
resenaves both sides of the fence to meet and discuss
all questions that might present themselves Anything
worth while worthy of being brought out in the open
There nothing be gained by being mpetuous i'm
patient Minds must meet in mutual respect.