Life at the Corner of Swan and Prince William Henry Streets: A Snapshot from Bridgetown, Barbados

A historic photograph of Swan Street (formerly 'Jew Street') in Bridgetown, Barbados, provides a rare glimpse into the Jewish presence and built environment of the area during the 1940s. The image, sourced from the American Jewish Historical Society archives, reveals a lost aspect of Barbadian history, including the architecture, street layout, and cultural significance of the street, which was once lined with Jewish-owned shops and residences. The study uses the photograph to analyze spatial and social dynamics, comparing it with modern Bridgetown to highlight changes over time. This snapshot offers insights into the Jewish community's role in Barbados' mercantile trade and retail commerce, as well as their daily life and livelihoods, which were concentrated along Swan Street until their departure in 1928.

Stiefel, B. L. (2017). Life at the Corner of Swan and Prince William Henry Streets: A Snapshot from Bridgetown, Barbados. American Jewish History, 101(2), 241–243. https://doi.org/10.1353/ajh.2017.0029