Bay Street began when a small town began to grow along the waterfront of Charles Towne (Nassau) between 1648 and 1666. At this time, Bay Street was known simply as The Strand – a meandering path with a few shacks and coconut palms.
Throughout the 20th century, Bay Street was at the centre of commercial, political and social life in the island of New Providence. The street was home to a variety of international banks, retail outlets, including clothing, jewellery and perfume stores, as well as nightclubs, restaurants and bars.
It was also a key site for social and cultural expression on the island. Bay Street was the home of Junkanoo, a festival that attracted all strata of Bahamians as participants and was a part of Bahamian culture since slavery. Bay Street was also the preeminent political space -both Parliament and the Cabinet Office were located there.
Commerce & Industry
Hotels, Clubs & Accommodation
Things To Do
- Lightbourn Pharmacy
- Lum’s
- Maury Roberts Co. Ltd.
- Nassau Shop Ltd
- Parliament Square – Post Office
- Rawson Square
- Straw Market
- Vendue House
- Waterfront Market
Postcards
1957 – American News Co (P17300)
1958 – American News Co (P20500)
1958 – Transcolor Corporation (30400 Series)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-80000-B Series – Type A)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-80000-B Series – Type B)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-92300-B Series – Type A)
1965 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P31300 Series – Type A)
1966 – Dexter Press Inc (67800-B Series)
1966 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P67200 Series – Type A)
1969 – John Hinde Limited (2BH Series – Type B – No.1-49)
1970 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P70600 Series)
1970 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P72700 Series – Type A)
1970 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P72700 Series – Type B)
1975 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (10×111300 Series)
References
- Bahamasnet.com: Historic Bay Street
- Islands Study Journal: Whose Bay Street? Competing Narratives of Nassau’s City Centre
