THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 11, 1995 TAG: 9507110245
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. and NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt will dedicate the state's new Hatteras-to-Ocracoke ferry in ceremonies on the Manteo waterfront July 19.
The vessel Thomas A. Baum, named for one of the state's founding fathers in ferry transportation, will link the two Outer Banks islands.
Baum, a native of Kitty Hawk, launched the first of three successful ferry services in Northeastern North Carolina in 1926. His second venture, the Croatan Sound ferry, carried passengers from Manns Harbor to Manteo in two 10-car capacity wooden ferryboats.
Baum died in 1946. In 1947, his wife sold the franchise to the state, beginning what is now the Department of Transportation Ferry Division.
``It is appropriate that we honor a man who was a pioneer of the state's ferry system,'' Hunt said. ``I know Mr. Baum would be amazed at what has become of his early successful ventures.''
Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion, will join Hunt and officials of North Carolina State University at the dedication. The vessel will be painted in State's colors - red and white - and bear the school's emblem.
N.C. State's chancellor, Larry Monteith, and football coach, Mike O'Cain, will represent the school at the ceremonies.
All 16 of North Carolina's public colleges and universities will have their emblem and school colors on a ferry as part of an effort to promote the ferry system as a tourist attraction, and as a vital means of coastal transportation.
The Thomas A. Baum will run daily between Hatteras and Ocracoke, with a crossing time of 40 minutes. The vessel can transport 149 passengers and four crew members, and hold 30 standard passenger vehicles. ILLUSTRATION: THE DEDICATION
The ceremony, at 10 a.m. July 19, will be open to the public.
Parking will be available at Manteo Middle School, Manteo High
School, Manteo Baptist Church and on Ice Plant Island.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Manteo High School.
by CNB