In September 1907, the Yarmouth Selectman set speed limits for automobiles.
From Hyannis, down the "South State Highway" (now Route 28, and a section of old Main St.) to River Street near the Baptist Church in South Yarmouth, the limit was fifteen miles an hour; from River Street to Bridge Street (this would be Main St, or the continuation of the South State Highway), and down Bridge Street (now Route 28) to the bridge, the limit was twelve miles an hour.
All automobiles and motorcycles were to stop at the corner of the South State Highway and Bridge Street, "before proceeding in either direction around the corner of said streets."
Bridge Street heads east at the end of the fence on the right. Stop here before heading north to Yarmouthport or South Dennis, or before turning east towards West Dennis.
Also over the Main street in South Yarmouth from Bridge street to the road leading to Yarmouth and over said Yarmouth road to the Lower Village road (so called) near the last house in the village of South Yarmouth, at a rate of speed not exceeding twelve miles per hour.
You could blast down Station Ave to Yarmouthport at 16 miles per hour: "On roads leading from Yarmouthport to Hyannis, and from Yarmouth to South Yarmouth, and over all other town roads not herein specified, at a rate of speed not exceeding sixteen miles per hour."
I have trouble figuring out the geography of "over the Main street in South Yarmouth from Bridge street to the road leading to Yarmouth and over said Yarmouth road to the Lower Village road (so called) near the last house in the village of South Yarmouth" I initially thought this was along Station Ave. towards Yarmouthport, but I can't see how the Lower Village fits in to that. Was there a "Lower River Road" in this area?
It looks like the selectmen were working under the authority of a state statute passed in 1906. I wonder if these were the first speed limits in Yarmouth? The action also included similar rules for Yarmouth's north side. Why did they discriminate in these small ways with respect to speed (12 vs 15 vs 16 mph)? Stopping at the corner could certainly be enforced, but what about the speed limits? They could see gross violations, but would be hard tell 12 mph from 15 mph or 16 mph.
Some time later, after Route 28 was punched through. Bridge St. again off to the right, just in front of the rightmost car. The second building from the right is probably the most prominent in both photos.
Source: The Register, September 21, 1907.
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