Sunday, May 6, 2012, another great episode of Then & Now can be seen at 8p.m on CBN Ch 51 with repeat showings on Wednesday also at 8p.m and Saturday at 8a.m. This week you will see many of the Senior Citizens of the Virgin Islands celebrating the twenty third anniversary of the Senior Citizen’s Movement. There were lots of activities, local food, drinks, crafts and much more on display for everyone’s enjoyment at the historical 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum.
“The 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum was built by the slaves of the plantation owner, Mc.Cleverty. Molasses, sugar, ‘muscovado’ and rum were produced at the sugar works until the 1940s.” (Muscovado is a type of unrefined brown sugar with a strong molasses flavor – wiki – You may recall Mr. Hugo Vanterpool mentioning this in his interview). During the 19th Century the timber frame section of the building became, what is believed to have been, the first Virgin Islands guest house. The museum was acquired by the Government in the 1900 and was used for various purposes such as an “experimental agriculture station and installed a cotton ginnery. Lime juice was also produced. Until the 1940s, the High Court sat in the first floor, which was subsequently used as a butchery and the yard as a block factory. The building also housed the Government’s Community Development Office and the Town and Country Planning and Survey Department. The Royal Virgin Islands Police also kept stores in the buildings up until its restoration (2003-2007) – this restoration included replacing the main roof, chimney and timber frame.” (Museum Info.)
There are many historical artifacts and art work in the museum and it is worth a visit from everyone – The Manager, Mrs. Olive Vanterpool, will be pleased to see you any time Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m