The Tribune

FOR the township of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, the end of 2012 was a time to celebrate history.

A few years ago, the Tarpum Bay Heritage and Historical Society (TBHHS) was formed to preserve the legacy of the settlement, the lead project being the transformation of the 200-year-old All Age School building into a cultural centre.

The project now complete, the birth of the new Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Centre (EACC) was used as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of 47 senior citizens to the community over the years.

These persons, who all did their part to mould the heritage and culture of the seaside settlement, included fishermen, farmers, tradesmen, housekeepers, homemakers, teachers, entrepreneurs, pastors and statesmen.

Many others who live in Nassau and elsewhere were instrumental in Tarpum Bay’s development, but the community chose to focus these celebrations on those who remained.

Metta Macmillian-Hughes, a Nassau lawyer who spent her early years in Tarpum Bay and visits often, told the seniors: “For over half a century you have contributed and are contributing in so many different and valuable ways to the community.

“You are the parents who have raised, inspired and encouraged your children and grandchildren to rise to greater heights, to strive to excel, and to live as upstanding members of the community, guided by Christian principles, respect and compassion for others.”

McMillian-Hughes said she was delighted to see 83-year old Pricilla Clarke, a housekeeper, who baby-sat her as a child, receive her plaque, as well as the many others she knew as a child.

More than 175 locals and visitors attended the impressive awards banquet.

Two statesmen were recognised: Oswald O Ingraham, former speaker of the House of Assembly and MP for Central and South Eleuthera who is a businessman in Tarpum Bay; and Prime Minister Perry Christie, whose ancestors hailed from the community.

Naiomi (Allen) Christie, a Tarpum Bay native and Mr Christie’s mother, was a leader in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Tarpum Bay’s Vera Carey is the eldest at 96 years of age and George Edwards, 70, was one of the youngest recognised at the banquet. They both beamed with pride.

Almost everyone in the group has links to the All Age School, affectionately known as the “Lil Prep”. Many attended and some even taught there.

“The Lil Prep represents Tarpum Bay,” said MP Damien Gomez, “and we are here to celebrate our community. If it were not for the community, we would not be here.”

Restoration to the All Age School was necessary because it had been abandoned and lay derelict for almost 16 years.

Just over two and a half years ago, the Tarpum Bay Historical and Heritage Society, under the direction of Eugene Carey, Cleveland Knowles and Shaun Ingraham, set out to undertake the refurbishment.

Construction was lead by Paul Knowles and Ian Carey.

In 2009, 65 members of the Clemson Wesley University group, on an alternative spring break arranged by Island Journeys, joined locals in kicking off the restoration project.

“A lot of volunteer labour, hard work, pride and financial support went into the restoration. Without the donations and support of locals, visitors, second homeowners and corporations, the reconstruction would not have been possible,” said Shaun Ingraham.

Eugene Carey, a longtime resident and businessman in Tarpum Bay, said: “The Prep is considered one of the most important buildings in this small quaint waterfront township.

“Almost everyone who is a senior in this town was educated there. It has a lot of history and a lot of successful people had their start there.”

While the EACC is now complete, there is ongoing work on an amphitheatre with a state.

Many of the original elements of the All Age School, like areas of the original wall and the stone stairway, were maintained.

The vision is for it to become a place where persons young and old can gather to learn arts and crafts or take in a play, workshop or seminar.

Audrey Carey, who runs the new centre and was instrumental in the weekend celebrations, encouraged everyone to visit.