ARCHITECTURAL PRES

June 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

ARCHITECTURAL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

The Architectural Preservation Foundation of Green Turtle Cay is pleased to announce completion of the fieldwork phase of the historic survey of New Plymouth. This phase was conducted by a volunteer team consisting of Professor David Woodcock, Head of the Texas A & M Historic Imaging Laboratory, and four of his graduate students, and practising Preservation Architect, Mr Jack Pyburn of Atlanta, Georgia. Participating from Nassau were Dr Gail Saunders, Director of the Department of Archives, and Ms Grace Turner and Mrs Kim Outten-Stubbs, Curators of the Pompey Museum, Department of Archives.

The team examined 149 structures in New Plymouth and identified 80 as of historic significance. Each was analysed for current use and architectural features. Detailed scale drawings of three historic structures have been prepared. Also, audio and video taped interviews of townspeople with special knowledge and memory of New Plymouth's history were made.

The information gathered is now being assembled at the Texas A & M College of Architecture's Historic Research Imaging Laboratory for submission to the Bahamas Department of Archives, the Bahamas National Trust's Preservation Committee and to the Architectural Preservation Foundation at New Plymouth.

The survey was made possible by the generous gifts of local businesses, citizens and visitors to Green Turtle Cay. Funds remaining after completion of the survey will be used to further historic preservation in New Plymouth. It has been well documented that historic preservation efforts have an important influence on tourism and community pride. The co-operation and assistance of donors and residents of New Plymouth were deemed to be 'outstanding' by the highly experienced survey team.

The survey was the first of its kind to be undertaken in the Family Islands. It is the goal of the Foundation that its efforts lead to the designation of New Plymouth as a Historic District.

FRIENDS OF NEW PLYMOUTH PRESERVATION

The wine-tasting fundraiser on 28th March at the New Plymouth Inn was a sell-out success, thanks to the businesses and individuals who contributed to the memorable evening. Also, special thanks to William Brewer Company and Bristol Cellars. There was an inspiring talk by Curator Grace Turner of the Department of Archives in Nassau on the importance of preservation.

Using the funds raised, work commenced on saving the Old Jail Building. The roof of the main building was in immediate danger of collapse. The rotting beams were cut out and replaced with new 6 x 6 pressure-treated beams that would support the existing stone and concrete roof. This was a painstaking process. Next, three new cell doors were built in the old jail style and hung using appropriate hinges. The very old stone latrine, with its unique arched stone roof, was in a serious state of decline and rescue work has commenced. The rotted timber door frames have been replaced. Repair and replacement of structural stonework has commenced using original stones wherever possible. The latrine, which is estimated to be about 200 years old, and the stone portion of the jail, survived the devastating hurricane of 1932.

Our next step is to continue work on the latrine, to replace doors and window shutters where necessary on all the buildings (using authentic style hardware and original material wherever possible), and to replace the roof on the two cell buildings. We are also planning to rehabilitate one cell of the jail to house a Junkanoo exhibit.

For further information on the activities of the Architectural Preservation Foundation contact Mr & Mrs David Bethell as 365-4234 or Mr & Mrs Reggie Sawyer at 365-4268.

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