By 1905, a once thriving maritime facility on Hassel Island stood in ruin, its very essence in need of rejuvenation.

The sinuous rails meant to haul majestic vessels had succumbed to a state of disrepair, so profound that it defied all imagination.

For four years, the property hung in limbo, yearning to be reborn through sale, lease, or rental.

The Advertisement

Henry O. Creque, a man whose curiosity was piqued by a 1910 advertisement, saw an opportunity to cast a new light upon a forgotten gem.

Creque's ironmongery business and his role as an agent for inter-island vessels painted him as the perfect candidate to undertake this daunting task.

Born in Anegada as the son of a mariner, he often accompanied his father as he salvaged vessels from the grips of the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean. 

With his background, he knew he had the fortitude to bring the railway back to its former glory.

The Purchase

After considerable thought, Henry submitted a sealed bid to the auction house for the nine-acre property. 

His maximum offer was $7,000 or 35,000 francs, with the provision that it be protected against auction expenses.  

When the initial payment was due, days after the knock of the hammer, Henry was surprised to see extra interest, auction and attorney fees added.  

He contested those charges vehemently but later paid them under protest. 

He noted his unsatisfactory correspondence with the Board; (Mr. Carl V. Labeet, Mr. Max E. Trepuk, Mr. L.E. Stakemann and Mr. Charles Bugel Esq.), except for Mr. L. Delinois who had not lent his signature to the board’s correspondence with him.

By November 22, 1910, Henry's offer was the only genuine offer proffered.

At the following shareholder's meeting, it was approved by the board members.  

The Renovation

The National Bank of the Danish West Indies financed the purchase.

With the bond secured, Henry received the survey drawings which included the detailed descriptions of the rail levels.

With this information, the massive renovation project began.  

Single side rails in 10ft lengths, middle and side carriages were ordered from the British Engineer's Import Agency in London.  

The Opening

In April of 1912, after many months of repairs and upgrades to the docking cradle, the business opened. 

Advertisements in the newspapers encouraged boaters to avail themselves of the railway's services, which included general boat repair and maintenance.  

Henry was very proud of his accomplishment.  

There wasn't a railway slip dock on the entire American Atlantic Seaboard south of Norfolk and extending down to Texas, which could be compared with this one on Hassel Island.  

When it came to substantiality in construction, nothing could compare with the Power House, which was built for perpetuity.                             

The Workmen

 

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