07/22/09, 05/24/20 |
Frederiksted - Then and Now |
What I will try to convey here is what I discovered of Frederiksted during a walking tour. The walk was taken May 2 (south to north) and May 3 (west to east) 2004. The information was updated in July 2004. I will try to recall what I can. I will give family names if they come to mind. Keep in mind that after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 what has been left in many places are abandoned houses, destroyed houses, and in some places empty lots. Development over the years has also changed the Frederiksted I knew. Where I cannot remember clearly, I will ask for help from a relative or friend. |
Many of the residences in Frederiksted were houses that were subdivided into apartments. Most had a living/dining room with a large bedroom. Some apartments would have an attachment to the back of a window that served as an area to wash dishes. Some residences had small structures in the back that were used as kitchen while others had an outdoor oven/stove. An outhouse was usually in the back yard and was shared by all the residents in the apartments. Most had bathing areas in the back. Puerto Ricans called these residences cuarteles, quarters. April 23, 2005 – Driving through Grove Place, I was able to see the huge Baobob tree that grows there. It is to the west of the playing field. It was exciting to see it since the tree had a few young fruits on it! If I am not mistaken, this is the biggest tree on the island. Some of the buildings in Frederiksted that were falling apart have been boarded up or completely torn down. April 2009 - New houses have been built on Hospital Street between Hill and Market Streets. Some of these new houses can also be seen from Prince Street. The American Legion is building an office/center on Prince Street next to the old Convent. What was once the Danish School has been renovated. |
The entire Word text is attached. Click here to read what I wrote as I walked from street to street. You may be asked to Open the file. Click Open. It should open in Word. |