Historic home preserved on Cayman Brac
(CNS): Restoration is now complete on one of only a handful of homes on Cayman Brac that survived the 1932 Hurricane. With the help of donations and support from the community, the National Trust has been able to preserve the Eldemire House in the Creek. The home was originally constructed in 1927 for George Eldemire and his wife. After the 1932 storm it served as a distribution facility for food, shelter, medical and other relief supplies.
In order to preserve this important part of the Brac’s heritage, the home along with furnishings, photographs and a small wooden boat named the “Seven Sons” was donated to the Trust by the Eldemire Brothers in 2005.
Denise Bodden, Historic Education and Development Manager at the Trust said, “This is an amazing donation considering this home wasone of only 11 that survived the great hurricane of 1932 which devastated Cayman Brac.”
Although significant roof repairs had been carried out by the Trust in 2006/07 the home sustained damage due to Hurricane Paloma in 2008 which further delayed the project.
Restoration efforts commenced in late 2012 and included foundation, wooden floors throughout the house, both interior and exterior walls, ceilings and the inner structure of the roof. The interior and exterior of the historic home was also painted and a new septic tank, above ground cistern and air condition units were also installed.
The work was conducted by Seth “Boosie” Arch, and project managed by volunteer Jim Scott, with significant financial support from Maples Finance and donations from Jacques Scott and Billy Reid.
”The Trust is pleased to have restored the Eldemire home with its rich history, traditional architecture and cultural importance to Cayman Brac. It’s very rewarding to see this old home standing proud again” said Christina McTaggart, Executive Director of the National Trust.
With the major work completed, the Trust will now seek additional funding to add appropriate landscaping, fencing, parking and install interpretative signage on the site.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities for ongoing developments of the Eldemire House, contact director@nationaltrust.org.ky or call 749-1121.
Category: Local News
A heartwarming story! Great work and congratulations to all involved. What a shame that Dr. Roy McTaggart's home, here in Grand Cayman, could not have also been restored instead of being destroyed for 'modern' buildings. Lack of foresight is a bad thing but it is good to know that this is happening in Cayman Brac.
Great job for a well respected home and family. We as kids walking from school could always stop by the late Ms Georgies home for water and was served to us by the late Ms Violet. In our day this was one of the beautiful homes in Cayman Brac. Alot of good memories to look at this picture. Missing from this picture is the grape tree in the front yard that we school kids would stop and eat until our little bellies was full. God bless the remaining family.
The home truly looks lovely! I hope that shortly tours of the home will be offered to the public and I'll get a chance to visit the home. Congraulations to the National Trust!