The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1918-12-13

planted in the Caribbean is
"a Curacao, n Dutch island that
is but 40 miles from the
northern coast of Venezuela and only
a little more than 100 miles from La
Guayra, port town for Caracas, capital
of Venezuela. No other island of the
West Indies so nearly represents, by
its physical appearance and its peO-
pie, the country of the Zuyder Zee as
does this quaint, pretty and very hos
pitable little island, chief possession
of the Dutch in the Caribbean.
The sea comes into Willemstad,
port city Of Curacao, to form a land
locked harbor, unlike any other in the
West Indies. This harbor, which is
nearly half a mile long, very deep and
large, forms a spacious port of call for
many ships at one time. Two Dutch
forts, which are none too formidable
in looks, but which appeal to one be-
cause of their squatty, somber,
"Dutchy" appearance, guard the en-
trance to the harbor. A bridge spans
the narrow channel just above the
forts, and is swung back for ships
coming in or going out, to leave the
way clear.
About the town of Willemstad itself
there Is a charming influence which
Immediately wins the stranger, so
much like the mother country is this
little port. The architecture is Dutch;
the buildings themselves might have
been brought bodily from Amsterdam,
so much do they resemble the physical
features Of that Dutch city. The town
Is built down to the water front on
both sides Of the main inlet of the har-
Dor as well as along the lagoon.
Just above the forts and on the
right side as q ship enters, stands
the governors home and the general
government buildings, q pleasing sight.
Extending along the same side and
also running along the opposite shore
are the business houses, which stand
but a few feet back from the water
itself.
Entering the Harbor.
AS the ship drifts toward its dock
a passenger may get a good view Of
the town. The architecture fas-
cinates; the busy condition of the dock
and adjoining streets, where hundreds
of people seem to swarm at their work,
gives an impression Of q hustling, and
much alive tropical town. AS the
ship goes on past a break in the line
Of buildings the lagoon is observed to
the right, and down to its edge hun
/ dreds of homes whose tile roofs appear
in varied contrast under the sun. These
homes, the passenger will soon learn,
If he chooses to hire an automobile at
50 an hour to ride about the town, are
ideal in cleanliness.
Many ships are always to be found
in the Willemstad harbor. Even dur
ing the war there usually are three or
four steamers at dock In addition to
many one, two and three masted sail.
ing schooners, which ply between Gu
racao and ports Of Venezuela. Be-
cause of these ships and for the rea-
son that many business houses are
down at the edge Of the water, Willem-
stad gives an immediate impression Of
much hustle and activity.
The business places themselves, even
with ships absent, would contribute
much toward making this same impress
sion. And, due to these scenes at the
dock, during the hours Of regular bust
ness, the passenger, even though he
leaves his ship, always carries
away a picture of this little town that
he never will forget.
Back among the homes that border
upon the water of the lagoon is to be
found "Spotless Town." If anywhere
In the world outside Of Holland such
a town exists. These homes, with their
Dutch architecture, are as free from
dirt and other things that detract
from good looks and comfort as any
homes can be.
The kitchens are spick and span,
with floors scrubbed white and corners
entirely free from dirt. The living
rooms, the bedrooms, the dining rooms
all are ideal in cleanliness.
Most Of the Population colored.
Curacao has a population of nearly
10000. OF this plumber $4,000 are
~hites, the other inhabitants being