The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1957-04-26
Single Copy 7e
BRIDGE DEDICATION
BLESSED BY SUNNY
SKIES AND CROWDS
Barbecue Dinner Served TO Hun
dreds Following Speeches
By Officials


day as the William B. Umstead
Memorial Bridge in honor of the
late Governor whose administra-
ton made the bridge possible. The
event moved pretty well on sched-
ule, blessed with sunny skies and
jovial crowds delighted at meet
ing each other again.
The Southern Albemarle Associ-
alton, sponsor of the dedication
ceremonies, were joined by High
way Chairman A. H. Graham along
with Governor Luther H. Hodges
and the IA Highway Commission
ers from across the State in dedi-
eating the bridge.
The event officially launched the
Third Annual Dare Coast Pirates
Jamboree, April 1928. Attendance
was estimated at 1900 persons.
Thursdays dedication got under
way with a parade from Drink
waters Folly to the east end Of
the bridge on Roanoke Island. A
bronze plaque set in a bridge post
honoring Governor William B. Um-
stead was unveiled by his daugh-
ter, Merle Bradley Umstead. The
parade proceeded to the elevated
portion of the bridge over the
channel where Mrs. Umstead, wild
ow of the late Governor, cut the
ribbon and officially opened the
bridge.
The parade proceeded on across
the bridge to the mainland to the
speakers stand at the Manns Har-
Dor school grounds for the dedica-
ton ceremonies. Music was fur
nished by five bands: the Eliza
beth City High School Band, the
Plymouth High School Band, the
Williamson High School Band,
the Washington High School Band,
and the Griggs High School Band.
Melvin r. Daniels was Master
of Ceremonies. The group was well
coined by w. S. White. Highway
Chairman Graham spoke briefly on
the history Of the bridge.
Highway Commissioner Emmett
Winslow of Hartford introduced
the principal speaker, the Honor
able Luther H. Hodges, who gave
the main address.
The benediction was given by
the Rev. A. L. G. Stephenson of
Stumpy Point.
A barbecue luncheon was held
for the distinguished guests by the
Southern Albemarie Association.
In the afternoon, at 2:30 PM,
the Southern .Albemarle Associa-
ton met in the school building at
Manns Harbor for the election of
officers.
The Highway Commissioners
held their regular monthly meet
ing at 8 pm. in the Dare County
Courthouse in Manteo where they
reviewed the low bids received in
Tuesdays highway letting and at
tended to other highway matters.
Chairman Graham presided over
the meeting. The Highway Com
missioners were welcomed by Mar
tin Kellogg, Mayor of Manteo. Al
so present for the meeting were
the County Commissioners of Dare
County.
From 8 to pm. boat races were
held in Manteo Harbor Of Roanoke
Island for the other guests at the
Pirates Jamboree.
A square dance in the Mays
Head Casino topped off the first
days activities in the three-day-
long Pirates Jamboree.
The States newest wateriink in
its vast road network is on US 81
and 264, connecting Roanoke IS
land and the mainland. It is To-
Gated in the First Highway Divi-
sion where Emmett Winslow is
Highway Commissioner and w. N.
Spruill is Division Engineer.
An engineering feat, the bridge
builders overcame the odds of
weather Hurricanes Hazel and
Connie). of an early morning fire
which damaged the concrete, and
of lightning striking the portable
field office and injuring four men.
Location for the bridge to- span
the Croatan Sound was made un-
der the direction of photographic
Engineer w. S. Winslow in the
winter of 195S-1954. When the ex-
act location was agreed upon, con-
struction plans were drawn up by
the Bridge Department under Chief
Bridge Engineer T. b. Gunter, Jr.,
and his assistants, L. G. billiard
and George Parkin.
T. A. Loving and Company Of
Goldsboro was low bidder on the
job when it was advertised for bids
in the September z, 1854, highway
letting. Construction started Sep
TENDER %, under an experienced
bridge-builder, e. I'll. Baggs Of
Manteo, who was assigned TO the
Job along with a 12-man constrsc-
tion party. Loving's personnel hi
| cludad civ fnrnranxs st,sdos. 4A~ III