If you drive too fast you may pass it, as it is below street level. The Hollows sometimes called Rock Garden lies within the sprawling Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, opposite Killarney (formerly Stollmeyer’s Castle), Wild Flower Park and the Emperor Valley Zoo.
Unlike the verdant fields and bustling activity of the Savannah, the Hollows offers a secluded haven, its history as intriguing as its tranquil beauty.
The Savannah itself boasts a rich past, having transformed from sugarcane fields to a public park in the early 19th century. However, the Hollows carves out its own narrative within this larger story. Originally conceived as a reservoir in the early 20th century, it served as a vital source of water for the Savannah’s maintenance.
Construction of the Hollows
The man behind this project was Archbishop Patrick Vincent Flood, the fifth Archbishop of Port-of-Spain. He was also the behind the construction of The Archbishop’s Palace in 1903. Construction of the Hollows began in the same year, and for a period, the Hollows fulfilled its designated role. It was fed by the St Ann’s River, which passed through a channel from the nearby Botanical Gardens.
Wildflower Park was a catchment area for the reservoir’s overflow. But its time as a reservoir was short-lived. The reason for its eventual draining remains unclear, though some speculate that alternative water sources rendered it unnecessary.
With its watery purpose gone, the Hollows entered a new chapter. Instead of reflecting the sky, its basin became a canvas for landscaping. Ornamental shrubs replaced the water, transforming the sunken area into a picturesque garden. This shift not only enhanced the aesthetics of the Savannah but also created a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking respite from the lively atmosphere of the park.
The Hollows stands today as a testament to the Savannah’s evolution. It’s a reminder of the park’s utilitarian past, a time when functionality reigned supreme. Yet, its transformation into a landscaped haven reflects the ongoing beautification efforts that have made the Queen’s Park Savannah a beloved landmark.
A haven for relaxation and reflection
While details about the Hollows’ earliest days are scarce, its current form continues to hold significance. It serves as a valuable green space within the urban environment, offering a haven for relaxation and reflection. The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago even recognises it as a heritage site, acknowledging its contribution to the cultural landscape of Port-of-Spain.
So, the next time you find yourself amidst the vibrant energy of the Queen’s Park Savannah, take a moment to seek out the Hollows. Let its tranquility transport you, and allow its history to whisper tales of a bygone era, when a sunken reservoir bloomed into a verdant sanctuary.
Improve Spelling and Reading Skills (10 books)
These fun books of words with rimes that contain digraphs, trigraphs and 4-letter graphemes in many stories are useful for story time, spelling improvement classes, poetry sessions, improving phonological and phonemic awareness, and reading intervention programmes.
These spelling books come in both e-book and paperback formats for your pleasure. They make up a series of fun books that are having a spelling party on the inside.
The 2022 editions are AI Stories, EA Stories, EE Stories, EI Stories, EY Stories, IE Stories, OA Stories, OO Stories, OU Stories and OW Stories. They are all having their own fun with words.
Exploring family history with MyHeritage
The desire to understand our ancestors’ stories is a powerful human urge. MyHeritage, a genealogy website, empowers you to embark on this captivating journey of self-discovery. This article equips you with the knowledge to unlock the secrets of your family history using MyHeritage’s comprehensive suite of services and features.
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MyHeritage offers a vast collection of historical newspapers, some dating back centuries. Imagine unearthing articles mentioning your ancestors – a birth announcement, a wedding notice, or even an obituary. These glimpses into the past can add a captivating layer of detail to your family narrative.
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MyHeritage stands as a powerful tool for anyone seeking to unlock the mysteries of their family history. From building a detailed family tree to uncovering hidden relatives and delving into historical records, MyHeritage empowers you to embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery. So, why wait? Begin your exploration today and uncover the rich tapestry of your family’s past.
Sources: https://nationaltrust.tt/home/
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