Topic: History
Touched by greatness
As a young amateur boxer who had grown up training with a punching bag made from coconut sacks filled with sand and hung from a Logwood tree, Denward Ebanks remembers better than most the glamour of Muhammad Ali’s visit to the Cayman Islands.
People time forgot: Clemens ‘Leme’ Dilbert
The salt-crusted wrinkles that cut deep into the features of Clemens Dilbert were the signs of decades of sailing the seven seas.
50 years ago: Summer visitors and new babies
"Mr. Arthur Ebanks, an officer of the Customs Department, is on 3 months leave."
On visits to Cayman in 1984, Ali was a sensation
Muhammad Ali was front page news in the Caymanian Compass for four days straight in 1984 when he visited Grand Cayman – twice.
50 years ago: Business representatives tour airport
“On the 3rd of June, Members of the Legislative Assembly and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Board, Hotels Association and the airlines assembled at the airport at 10 a.m."
50 years ago: Cemetery and post office improvements welcomed
“On Saturday, May 28, a sale was held at the Town Hall in aid of a fence for the cemetery."
50 years ago: Educator Layman Scott heads abroad
“Mr. V.L. Jackson, Director of Education, was on a routine visit from May 22 to 26. On Wednesday evening he met with the members of the Board of Education and teachers in a stimulating meeting."
50 years ago: New home for popular Sunday School
“Mrs. Harley Jackson has been holding Sunday School in her house for eight years to help the smaller children who could not come out to West Bay. Her school has grown to 65 on the roll."
50 years ago: Caymanians go to the Indianapolis 500
“After being home for four weeks Mr. William Banker returned to his job in Puerto Rico. He is employed by the Indian Towing Company of New Orleans, Louisiana."
People time forgot: Welly E.K. Wellington
Everyone knows “Welly’s Cool Spot.” The ever-popular restaurant and bar is still as popular today as it was back in 1982, when this photo was taken.
50 years ago: Turtlers return from Mosquito Cays
“After completing a successful three months on the Mosquito Cays, the turtle trappers returned to their wives and loved ones on May 17. As a result, meat has been plentiful but at various prices."
Past meets present as family pays historic tribute at Pedro
Descendants of the Eden family who built Pedro St. James visited the building this month to mount photographs of their grandfathers at the 18th century house.
50 years ago: Crusade wraps up, mosquito film screens
“The twenty night ‘Hour of Prophecy’ campaign came to an end on Sunday May 22. The final message ‘O! My Conscience!’ dealing with the unpardonable sin was a fitting conclusion to this series of meetings."
50 years ago: A historic trip to Trinidad
“On Sunday, May 15, Mr. K.P. Tibbetts, MLA for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, returned after a fortnight’s absence during which he attended the 1966 C.P.A. Registered Conference in Trinidad and Tobago."
50 years ago: Bennett Jefferson wedding celebrated
“There was a lovely wedding at the Pilgrim Holiness Church on the 21st with Rev. John Croft officiating when Mr. Spencer Bennett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Bennett of Bonacca, Spanish Honduras, took as his bride Miss Norma Jean Jefferson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Jefferson."
50 years ago: William Lawrence Nixon profiled
“Serving as foreman of the jury at the recent murder trial was William Lawrence Nixon of George Town but this was no unusual occupation for Mr. Nixon."
The People Time Forgot: Miss Lassie
Gladwyn K. “Lassie” Bush, pictured in this photo taken in the mid-1980s in her home along South Sound road, began painting at the age of 62, after what she describes as a visionary experience.
50 years ago: Church and road construction progresses
In the May 18, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, North Side correspondent Nettie McCoy wrote:
50 years ago: Rachel Terry passes at 88
“Miss Rachel Terry, one of the many old inhabitants of this district, died on Monday evening, 9th of May. Miss Rachel, who came from a family of 10 children, is only survived by two brothers, Mr. Edward Terry of Bodden Town and Mr. Smythe Terry who has been away for many years."
50 years ago: Foster Dixon wedding and homecomings
“The community of Spot Bay and other friends gathered at the Church of God (Full) Gospel Hall for the wedding of Miss Odette Lucille Foster to Mr. Denis Emil Dixon on Saturday evening last."
50 years ago: Dilbert Bush wedding; family visits
“A quiet wedding was solemnized on the 12th in the Pilgrim Holiness Parsonage, when Mr. Reginald Dilbert took as his bride Mrs. Andeen Bush, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dermot Bush."
50 years ago: Triple C play ramps up
“Students of Triple C High School are putting the final touches on the play, ‘Onions in the Stew,’ to be presented in the George Town Town Hall on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21st, at 8 p.m."
50 years ago: District pride in two young seamen
“Those arriving recently were Mr. Patrick Frederick, who went to Miami on a short business trip, and Mr. Clinton Whittaker, employee of National Bulk Carriers, who has come to spend his vacation with family and friends.
50 years ago: Bodden Town’s first ever floor show
“The first floor show ever presented in Bodden Town was staged at the Ocean View Theatre on Friday night May 6.
50 years ago: Homecomings and long awaited reunions
“Mr. and Mrs. Anton Foster of the Buccanneer’s Inn returning from a business and pleasure trip. They enjoyed a brief vacation at one of the highland lakes in Texas."
50 years ago: Ebanks wedding and engagement
In the May 11, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “On the 5th, Miss Emma Grace Ebanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth Ebanks, became the bride of Mr. Wolsley Ebanks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ebanks of Northwest Point, at a ceremony performed by the Rev. John Croft in the Pilgrim Holiness Church."
50 years ago: CUC officially takes over
The May 11, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, reported: “Yesterday was ‘Take-Over Day’ so far as the supply of electricity in George Town and West Bay is concerned."
50 years ago: Community gathers for church groundbreaking
In the May 4, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, North Side correspondent Nettie McCoy wrote: “The ground-breaking ceremony for the new United Church took place on April 28th at 4:30 p.m."
50 years ago: Government asked to step up services
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Bodden Town correspondent Haig Bodden wrote: “For many years now the district of Bodden Town has been neglected by Government."
50 years ago: A bus for the Brac
In the May 4, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Rich wrote: “Late afternoon Tuesday, 19th, as Captain Keith Tibbetts drove the green and gold [Chevrolet 48 passenger bus unloaded from the Motor Vessel Kirkchief] on to solid ground cheers of joy resounded through the atmosphere. Within seconds the sun slipped below the horizon."
50 years ago: Downed pole causes power outage
In the May 4, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “This district was without electricity from midnight on Saturday until 1 p.m. on Sunday"
50 years ago: Tour sheds light on GT schools
In the May 4, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “Ten members of the Board of Education visited schools in the George Town area on April 27."
50 years ago: Message in a bottle
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, East End correspondent Charles Dixon wrote: “Farmers are getting worried as the drought continues to endanger their crops. Water is scarce, and everywhere it is dry and dusty."
50 years ago: Selkirk Watler profiled
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, the paper’s Personality Parade featured a Bodden Towner: “Full marks for success in a business undertaking go to our ‘Personality’ for this week, Mr. Selkirk Watler, who is one of the island’s leading real estate agents."
50 years ago: Burgess Meredith visits the Brac
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, the newspaper reported: “Burgess Meredith, famous character actor and star of ‘The Music Man’ is pictured at Owen Roberts airport with his wife after their return from a week’s vacation on Cayman Brac with their friend Mr. Carl Marcum."
50 years ago: Girls’ Brigaders to visit Canada
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Congratulations to Betty Ruth Ebanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ebanks and Carol Ann Ebanks, daughter of Mrs. Dell Ebanks both of West Bay No. 3 Company, who have been selected for the Girls’ Brigade Canadian exchange visit."
50 years ago: Dr. Giglioli attends a conference, plus comings and goings
In the April 27, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “Mrs. Dudley Parsons and her little daughter Kerry Rose left for Puerto Rico via Kingston on the 21st. Mr. Parsons is on the S.S. Commonwealth and his home port for the present is Puerto Rico, hence the visit of his family."
50 years ago: Seamen come ashore for a visit
In the April 20, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, North Side correspondent Nettie McCoy wrote: “On Monday, April 11th the MV ‘Chemical Trader’ called in at George Town for two days, giving the Cayman crew an opportunity to see their families."
Slice of history
Informational signs like these dot the district of North Side, offering detailed information on points of historic interest and curious tales of days gone by.
50 years ago: A bull arrives, an eatery opens
In the April 20, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Ritch wrote:
50 years ago: Heavy machinery a district first
“Miss Willene Byers, artist and gospel singer left on the 31st for her home in Cullman, Alabama. She spent 7 weeks here, most of her time was spent in Mt. Pleasant in the home of Mrs. Roy Ebanks.
50 years ago: Sybil McLaughlin heads to UK for training
Mr. Linford Pierson, internal auditor, Cayman Islands Government left for Jamaica on the 14th on 2 months vacation leave. While there he intends to use his time in studying accountancy, which examination is to take place in June. We wish for Mr. Pierson all success.
50 years ago: Easter services and some welcome rain
“Arriving home on Thursday 7th was Mr. Lloyd Whittaker of Old Man Bay. He is an employee of N.B.C. and had been hospitalized in California. Having had an operation on his knee, he spent seven weeks in the hospital there."
50 years ago: Mosquito research device spurs interest
“The newest resident on Cumber Avenue in this district is a goat. Not the Village Ram, but a scientific ram used by Dr. Giglioli in his mosquito research program.
50 years ago: New school for the Brac takes shape
“Picking one’s way over cliffs and rocks, looking at men taking stones from one place to another, observing others throwing up a coconut limb shade, suggests that one has nothing to do, but there are also corner profiles and an outlined area and men taking sights and stretching tapelines."
The People Time Forgot: James A. Ryan
James A. Ryan, photographed at his office in this image taken around 1979, was one of the most respected and loved gentlemen on Cayman Brac.
50 years ago: Van accident a bit of a mystery
“As the vehicle landed on its wheels, he had restarted the engine and drove very slowly back into West Bay with the object of returning to the house occupied by Mr. Jack Graham and Mr. Bill Bennett where he had earlier been visiting."
50 years ago: Young men make tracks in aviation field
In the April 20, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “Mrs. Bertie Cooper and Dr. Collins arrived for a day’s stay in the island on April 14."
50 years ago: New church building prompts fundraising
In the April 6, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, East End correspondent Charles Dixon wrote: “Mrs. Hazel Frederick left the island on the March 31 for Jamaica to seek medical aid for her 2-month-old son. Also on the flight was Miss Goldstein Dixon who went to seek medical advice."
The People Time Forgot: Winson Miller
Winson “Vinson” Miller, of North Side was a mariner, eventually rising to the position of third mate, a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship who is customarily the ship’s safety officer and fourth-in-command.
50 years ago: District kids excel at sports day
“Although the Inter-Scholastic Sports held in West Bay last week have been covered by another reporter I still feel constrained to write about the excellent performances of the Bodden Town children."
50 years ago: Woman’s Guild plans Sunday School fundraiser
“A quiet wedding was solemnized in the City Hall, Brooklyn, New York on March 9 when Mr. Jacob Manderson took as his bride Ms. Helen Bodden of West Bay. Witnesses were Mr. H. Lawson and Miss Lucille Ebanks, niece of the bridegroom."
50 years ago: Jackson wedding
The April 6, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, contained the following report: “A very lovely wedding was solemnized at the Church of God (Full Gospel), George Town, on March 30, when Emma Jane Jackson was married to Albert Otis Jackson, both of Savannah and both employed by the Cayman Islands Electricity Undertaking."
50 years ago: A busy time for seafarers
In the March 23, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, North Side correspondent Nettie McCoy wrote: “Leaving on Thursday 17th were Messrs. Harold Ebanks and Stanley Douglas to take up work with N.B.C."
50 years ago: Island visits, baby shower and livestock plans
In the March 30, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Ritch wrote: “After an absence of 26 years, Mr. Henry Tomlinson paid a brief visit to his mother, Mrs. Almira and the family."
Regatta showcases catboats
Part of Cayman Islands’ history was on display at Easter catboat regatta on Monday in the sea off George Town.
50 years ago: A death and a wedding
“News has been received of the death of Mrs. Terrence Ebanks, 67 years, which occurred in Isle of Pines on the 23rd. ‘Hillie,’ as she was affectionately called, left here many years ago and has never returned."
50 years ago: Women’s Guild conference invites all
“The 21st Annual Woman’s Guild Conference will be held at the United Church, West Bay, on 11th April."
50 years ago: Drivers’ road caution urged
In the March 30, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Bodden Town correspondent Haig Bodden wrote: “On the night ofBodden-50-years-logo-final April 10, the United Church at Bodden Town will present an Easter Pageant."
50 years ago: Scotts return to visit, Britton Grants leave
In the March 23, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Ritch wrote:
“More members of...
50 years ago: Work picks up for seamen
On Feb. 12, 1966, Mr. Robert L. Ebanks took as his bride Miss Sheila Maria Cuff of Bridgeton, N.J. Mr. Rupert Ebanks is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ackermon, also of Brooklyn, all formerly of West Bay, Grand Cayman.
50 years ago: A day at the races
A Day at the Races is not a term that can be used in its usual context in Cayman as we have no horse racing but we did have OUR ‘day at the races’ on Saturday last when many enjoyed participating in the Regatta organized by the C.I. Hotel Association.
50 years ago: Recounting a Florida visit
“As our readers are aware, I have been on a short vacation in Palmetto, Florida, with my brother and his wife."
50 years ago: Bodden Town correspondent resigns
“We much regret that due to pressure of professional and domestic commitments, Mr. A.B. Hunter has found it impossible to continue acting as our Bodden Town correspondent."
People Time Forgot: Adina ‘Tooksie’ Whittaker
Tooksie Whittaker lived on Old School Lane in Breakers. She hated speeders and would recall for guests an accident which took place in her younger days:
50 years ago: Youth in the spotlight
In the March 16, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Ritch wrote: “‘Massa’ George Saml. Scott of Watering Place returned on the 7th from Jamaica. He reported that he felt much better after receiving treatment at the University College Hospital."
50 years ago: Girls’ Brigade tea for Canadian trip
In the March 16, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman Ebanks and daughters Treaty Mae and Patricia arrived on the 12th from New York where they have been residing for a year. Treaty Mae plans to marry Mr. Carlyle Glidden on the 25th."
50 years ago: Captain W. Bodden visits
In the March 16, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town correspondent Miss Frances wrote: “Dr. R.E. McTaggart and Miss Ruth McTaggart returned from Kingston on the 10th after a most happy and memorable visit."
50 years ago: East End Echoes
In the March 9, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, East End correspondent Charles Dixon wrote: “Mr. Harris Conolly returned from Jamaica on Feb. 21 after spending a short vacation with friends. Also returning was Mr. Leslie Forbes who spent some time with friends in Jamaica"
The People Time Forgot: Erskin Ebanks
Depending on the weather, every morning, just as the sun was rising (except on Sundays) Erskin Ebanks would cautiously maneuver his 12-foot boat over the West Bay ironshore and head out to sea.
50 years ago: Three births and other arrivals
In the March 9, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mr. and Mrs. Livingston Powery are the happy parents of their first child, a daughter born on the 3rd. Weight 7 1/2 pounds."
50 years ago: Plans for a new nursery school
In the March 9, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from George Town included: “Mrs. W. Wilcox who is at present living in Jamaica is planning to come to Grand Cayman in April to reside, and start a nursery school for children from 3-5 years of age."
