Man O War is known for there wooden ship building, which began around 1820-1830. Yesterday we took the ferry to this quaint Island for a dedication ceremony of their history and culture around this industry. Settled by the loyalists, the Aubrey Family began making wooden sailing vessels to support transportation and fishing. Man O War had no electricity until 1958! They also make sailing dingy's. They cut the specialty woods on the big Island of Abaco and import other woods such as Alaskan Yellow Cedar. We we fortunate to met one of the elder Aubrey's who showed us a sailing dingy he is building. This Gentlemen is in his seventy's and he and his older brothers are the last of the master Wooden boat builders left. Other's have turned to building beautiful fiber glass center consoles be the younger generations.
This is strong Christian community, the only Alcohol available is at one of the two restaurants. Many of the individuals shared their family history. The Minister of tourism for the Bahamas was the key note speaker. They had a fundraiser barbecue for lunch and many individuals sold local crafts and food products. This day was one of the highlights of our trip this year.
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