Sailors heading to the world famous Norfolk Naval base have heard the stories of signs in people’s yards. Norfolk it had been said never wanted the Navy base and still does not it. The stories of these sing dates back almost as long as the base has been in Norfolk.

The origins for this style of sign are said to come from the Isle of Man in the late 18th century. Sailors reported of seeing large signs stating, “Dogs and Sailors are forbidden to trespass here.”

Signs are reported not to be confined to the Norfolk area. They have been reported around nearly every US Naval base around the world at one time or another. During World War II it is said the signs did come down out of respect for the armed forces. Then shortly after the war the signs came back.

Signs have been reported all the way up to recent times from Norfolk to San Diego. Sings of this nature are even reported to have been seen outside Subic Bay in the Philippines at one time as well.

Just talk to any old salt and they will swear they saw the signs while out on liberty plastered around town. They in fact are a Urban Ledged according to Snopes anyway.

Did I ever see a sign like this while I was in Norfolk? Well, that is another sotry!