Thank Bobby Lebby of the Willoughby Inn that we have some of these shots: (above) the Ferry Terminal. In 1957- the first one lane (both directions) Hampton Roads Tunnel was completed-- the second land in the mid '70's. Most forget the centuries of of ferry service (reportedly, going back to 1641)-- running from Old Point Comfort and between Pine Beach & Newport News, between Little Creek & Cape Charles.
The S.S. Princess Anne Ferryboat between Cape Charles and Little Creek, was one of the Virginia Ferry Corporation's palatial transports, built at a cost of more than $600,000. The card (below right) was originally purchased in Ocean View in 1940;
contributed to the OV Tour by Joe Leatherman who has also generously shared with us with numerous vintage images (Ocean View in her glory) which have been formatted for your convenience, as thumbnails easily enlarged.
Click the postcard to see more of Joe's Images ==>
The Hampton Roads was a Norfolk - Newport News ferry (L. <== click to enlg) and be sure and see the 'Ocean City' which left Pine Beach in 1949 for a ride, barely grazing towering ships, eluding the USCG and smashing/destroying a wharf in Newport News. The Cap'n & first mate were charged with drunkenness, though they claimed a broken rudder. Ferries were run by private companies until 1946, when deckhands, oilers and fireman walked off the job shutting down service for three weeks: then the state seized the system. They'd run around the clock, despite Bay storms with no radar or depth-finders, and made soundings with lead weights. After that, they were gone, sold at auction: the Warwick to Florida (sunk off the coast to become an artificial reef) and others to Delaware for service to Cape May. Others went to work for the new bridge tunnel authority-- ending an era.
Below, enjoy these 1949 b&w photos from Richard Moylan; starting with his father at left-- Richard Moylan Sr. --waiting to board a ferry in Willoughby. Mouse-over for file sizes, descriptions & click to enlarge. Thanks again Richard! --RK
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In 1960 Professor Jacques S. Zaneveld began the study of oceanography at Old Dominion University as a field laboratory of the biology department in the converted ferry office at Willoughby Spit. It was a very difficult beginning because the old building had to be torn down in the near future, but they started a course in marine biology. They kept a laboratory there, amazed that so many students were interested in working there. They were motivated and worked "day and night" to establish the small building as a real marine facility. Also, several years, Professor Virginia Speer Bagley taught her field Zoology classes there.
