Though there exist a number of first-hand accounts of the destruction wrought by the 1932 hurricane, there truly is nothing like a photograph to convey the full magnitude of the devastation. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to receive a group of never-before-published photos, taken on Green Turtle Cay in the days following the storm.
The images are from the collection of Jack Mertland Malone from Hope Town and later, Nassau. I’ve included his original notes in quotation marks beneath each image.
Many thanks to Mr. Malone’s granddaughter, Marysa Malone, and Wayne Neely, Bahamian meteorologist and author of The Great Bahamian Hurricanes of 1899 and 1932, for sharing these rare photographs.
Marysa’s grandfather, Jack Mertland Malone, is pictured in a few of these images, but I’d love to be able to identify the other people shown. If you know who they are, or recognize any of the houses or locations, please let me know.
Though all these images are amazing, I think the two below are perhaps the most touching. The first, because it reflects the helplessness I imagine all New Plymouth residents must have felt. These girls know that their father lies beneath the rubble of their home, but there’s little they can do to help him.
Unlike many of the other images, there’s a hint of hope in the photo below. These children, though no doubt traumatized, survived the storm. Their home appears to be relatively intact. They’re clean and neatly dressed, and perhaps on the way to regaining some degree of normality.
Thanks , Amanda , the photos gives the sense of the aftermath of such a hurricane. It is amazing that only a few people were killed .
I have been looking for details about this hurricane for over 30 years .again , thanks for sharing .
Thank you SO VERY MUCH for your on-going research into and sharing of the history of GTC. I am impressed that you have gained enough notoriety and credibility that others are entrusting never before seen/shared materials with you. Please, know that you have an avid audience as you explore your family history, the history of GTC and Abaco history and keep up the good work.
When will you get to BC for your class reunion? I know the actual reunion won’t be until the weekend after I’m there, but I’ll be in Vancouver for a long weekend of Sept 19-22 and if our dates intersect, would love to connect for a shared meal or walk and some catching up. Let me know
Thank you, Amanda. Your account and photos of this hurricane are very interesting….and frightening!
Thanks , Amanda , the photos gives the sense of the aftermath of such a hurricane. It is amazing that only a few people were killed .
I have been looking for details about this hurricane for over 30 years .again , thanks for sharing .
Amanda
Thank you SO VERY MUCH for your on-going research into and sharing of the history of GTC. I am impressed that you have gained enough notoriety and credibility that others are entrusting never before seen/shared materials with you. Please, know that you have an avid audience as you explore your family history, the history of GTC and Abaco history and keep up the good work.
When will you get to BC for your class reunion? I know the actual reunion won’t be until the weekend after I’m there, but I’ll be in Vancouver for a long weekend of Sept 19-22 and if our dates intersect, would love to connect for a shared meal or walk and some catching up. Let me know
-Gayle