‘The Village in San Nicolas, Aruba: a social history during the 20th and 21st centuries’
29/11/2022
The book on The Village in San Nicolas, Aruba is a social history of its residents and their activities during the 20th and 21st Centuries. The period encompasses at least three generations who lived or are still living on this beautiful tropical island. It has been and continues to be a top vacation choice for American and other foreign tourists. The presentation takes place in the library in San Nicolas this Thursday evening, December 8, 2022.
Originally occupied by Arawaks, the island was colonized by seafarers from Western Europe in the 16th Century. The Dutch Kingdom prevailed in the inter-European conflicts and by the 17th Century several islands in the Caribbean were colonized by The Netherlands. Languages spoken and written are Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish.
Following discovery of the deep water harbor at San Nicolas at the south-eastern end of Aruba, Pan American Petroleum Company established the initial oil industry in 1924. The small population consisting primarily of indigenous people and European newcomers was significantly expanded after the Company began to recruit workers from the United States, many Caribbean Islands and South America. The Village and San Nicolas developed and became the major dynamic in the life and business activity largely due to the various operations of the Lago refinery. Its contribution towards the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and other monumental events in San Nicolas are appropriately delineated. Aspects of a vibrant and productive society in San Nicolas range from the environmental to the socio-cultural. The human experience is comprehensively presented through the delineation of the lives and activities of individuals and groups. A comprehensive overview of the island’s history and a retrospective on economic development complete a presentation of relevant subject matter.
Volume I is a comprehensive presentation of relevant subject matter. It is replete with pictures of scenes, groups and individuals. Education, religion, sports and entertainment are also adequately addressed. It includes both original commentary by local citizens on a variety of topics and on individuals. An assortment of anecdotes is included.
Volume II is a compilation of photo collages featuring noteworthy social activities and events in San Nicolas. Landmarks-both natural and cultural-are included in the pictorial presentation from the decades of the 20th and 21st Centuries. The content is a colorful representation of life and human activity in the Village and San Nicolas.
Volume III-Appendices will appeal to readers with a proclivity for statistical and/or other administrative detail. The material includes Lago annuitants, family names of immigrants to San Nicolas, Lago’s World War II fatalities due to German submarine attacks, Royal Decorations of San Nicolas’ citizens, maps of the Village, tabulation of residents and houses together with businesses in the Village and San Nicolas.
The three volumes book set ‘The Village in San Nicolas, Aruba: a social history during the 20th and 21st centuries’ is scheduled for release during early December 2022 in the public library in San Nicolas, Aruba.
