For one man, Savan is a treasure trove of memories
Published: February 23, 2013
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In its heyday, Savan spawned leaders in politics, medicine, music and sports. It is pictured here in the mid-1940s. Photo supplied by Sean Krigger from the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office archives.
Daily News photo by AMANDA NORRIS Bernard McBean, 71, shares his memories of the Savan "Obstacle Course Ball Park" with his wife, Sylvette McBean, at the site of Barnaba Well, bottom right, near what is now Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School.
ST. THOMAS - Savan was once Charlotte Amalie's own Harlem.
In its heyday, Savan spawned leaders in politics, art, sports and medicine; now it is a lesson learned for urban planners in how not to rip apart the social fabric of a community by paving over its vital centers.
Founded in 1764 to segregate freed blacks, Jews and Catholics when the West Indies were controlled by Protestant Danes, Savan's workers and artisans fought for economic and political self-determination. After Emancipation in 1848, the area swelled with newly freed slaves seeking economic opportunity.
- Contact reporter Amanda Norris at 714-9104 or email anorris@dailynews.vi.
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