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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
In Rosemary C. Hanna's book, "Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau's Over-The-Hill" the author seeks to paint a picture of what life was like in the
Over-the-Hill area of Grant’s Town and surrounding areas on the Island
of New Providence, The Bahamas, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century
following Emancipation, when the area was settled by freed slaves. It
includes a brief history of the settlement and development of the area,
the role of the Church in that process, and introduces some of the
families that lived Over-The-Hill.
"On my frequent drives through
the old neighbourhood, I observed that most of the once lovely and
immaculately maintained homes of my childhood had disappeared or were in
a state of disrepair," said Hanna.
Only a few of those homes remain and the author felt it important to record the Over-the-Hill
story for future generations. "I began
by taking photographs of the old houses and developed the idea of
telling stories about some of the families who occupied them," said Hanna who went on to say that most of
the houses pictured in the book are still occupied by descendents of the original
owners. Others were sold and are being well kept by new owners.
"I thought it was important to bring to life and put a face to
some of the families who lived in the area before they began to move out
to the newly developed suburbs, and also to highlight the tremendous
contributions that Over-The-Hill people made towards the development of
The Bahamas."
The stories are told from Hanna's perspective as a child and
young adult growing up at her family’s home situated at the corner of
Gaol Alley and Anderson Street, and as a member of St. Agnes
Anglican Church. Much of the information contained in the book
was gleaned from her family and friends, and through interviews with
present and former Over-The-Hill residents whose names are listed
in the oral sources and bibliography.
"I am grateful to my cousin,
the late Jackson L. Burnside III, who was a great source of
inspiration," said Hanna. Burnside's comments are noted in the Appendix II. Th author's lifelong friend, Sylvia E. Richardson's poem in memory of Jackson is also included in the book, and Sir Orville Turnquest wrote her Foreword.
"I hope that, through these pages, you will enjoy meeting some of the people from Over-The-Hill."
Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau's Over-The-Hill is available at local bookstores and Amazon.com
"Rosemary’s book reinforces my view that the families that peopled the Over-The-Hill district of New Providence just over a half century ago – basically from 1940-1970 – had more class, showed more character and were demonstratively more inspirational than any generation before or after. It was not a perfect world – far from it. But as the book quickly indicates, the streets, the neighbourhoods and the institutions were dominated by families with shared similar values and ambitions." - Charles Carter, CEO, Carter Marketing
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