Photos of Negril before digital

It is really great seeing all the great Negril photos on this Forum. Today's digital world allows many opportunities to take and send photos and videos that was unable to do back in the days before the technology was available.

The advantages of today's digital cameras are most are reasonably priced, most are compact, most take great pictures and these images are easy to share and post. Back in the days of 35 mm cameras you didn't know what you had until the film was processed and both the film and developing could end up being quite expensive. Today one points and shoots and can immediately see if they have a great shot not to mention some cameras (mostly Canon point and shoot) have a vivid color mode that highlights saturated colors almost unbelievably.

For those of you who visited Negril and shot photos using 35mm (or other formats) I would enjoy seeing your photos from back then. I attach a link to share with you all who have an interest in seeing what Negril looked like back in the day.

https://pixjamaica.wordpress.com/

Here are some of my photos in the middle to late 70's (Nikon FM, Kodak Ektachrome & Kodachrome film) Enjoy!!


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Always good to see the A frame at Miss Gloria's

Cap

Excellent,
Loved the old Black and Whites on your Word press site.
Thanks

I Love looking at your old pics Johng. Great stuff!

I remember somebody posting a picture of Paul McCartney and family on the Negril beach in '70s. On the inside cover of the "McCartney" album there are also some pictures of Paul on the beach in a tropical location. I wonder if those were taken in Negril, as well. Those would've been taken in 1969 or '70 so that may have been before Negril was on anybody's radar. (This is all before I was even born, so what do I know!)

Yes Cap, the A-Frame was always a cool hangout!!

Marcospoon, Thanks but the Black and Whites are not mine but they show Negril way back when!

Mike_D, Thanks man!! I have seen the photos of Paul M and family on Negril Beach, not sure about inside cover photos. Negril was on the radar going way back, JFK when he was a Senator visited NB with Jacky. Bob Dylan visited Negril also not to mention many others.

Being a history buff, I think these pics are great! Thanx for sharing...


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yeah the photos so how deserted the beach was back then......in the 80's that all changed....
mi noticed a big difference just from 84 to say 88......so much building and more tourist on da beach......
even Ricks Cafe was a pretty small place back in 84......after Gilbert in 88 everything on da beach and cliffs changed a lot
oh da memories......

Cool Runnings, Marko

That incredible photo blog needs to be credited to Robin Farquharson showing photos from the early 70's. Much has changed. Elephant bell bottoms for one. But much hasn't. We have featured Robin's photo work before on our Negril Today pages and even had some "before/after" pics showing how little something's changed.

As for Rick's Café, it was a relatively small place in '84 and was still the same in mid 90's. Beads were the "currency" and ice was still a consistent problem. Gilbert didn't change Rick's as much as the incredible wave action on the West End during the years of Ivan, Rita and Wilma (mid 2000's). That is when Rick's had its major remodeling job and became the Rick's Café we know today.

Here is Rick's as it looked when we featured it in the 1996, still small and the filled in pool was the bar...

http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn170296.htm

http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn080396.htm

http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn150696.htm

http://www.realnegril.com/beingees/nn160696.htm

Although much changed after Gilbert, such as most of the wooden structures being rebuilt using concrete blocks, somethings never change... (grin)

ukran1ans, Glad you enjoy my pics. Are you headed to Negril tomorrow as your ticker indicates? Have a safe and fun trip!!

Marko, Yes everything changes with time. When did you first visit Negril? I used to stay with Barry's Grandmother, Miss Gloria (Gloria's Sunset Cottages) back in the mid 70's. was right next to Bar-B-Barn that came later. But yes you are right the mid to late 80's lots of growth.

Does anybody remember the guy who ran Rick's back in the 70's. He was a white guy from New Jersey sort of a big guy, had a big motorcycle parked right by the entrance. Rick's at the time was a hit but way smaller than the subsequent building over the years. Whatever the owner / operator's name was I remember him as a nice guy. I used to always talk MC's with him. Anybody remember him??

For those of you who visited Negril and shot photos using 35mm (or other formats) I would enjoy seeing your photos from back then. I attach a link to share with you all who have an interest in seeing what Negril looked like back in the day.

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A few pics from the filming of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea in the early 50's with Kirk Douglas...
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Great Pics Rob!!

Many years ago I met an older Negril gentleman who lived on the beach for many years close to where Kirk Douglas is standing in the first pic. His Name was Lazarus Reynolds who told me that when they were filming the movie 20,000 Leagues under the Sea that the movie production team had a big yacht anchored off Negril Beach and every night they would ferry groups of local Negril girls by small boat to the yacht for wild parties, Lazarus words not mine.

Anybody out there who was in Negril during that time frame??

Johng,

The movie was filmed 63 years ago. The only way to get to Negril was by boat, which explains the ship Lazarus mentions.

I don't think there is much chance that any tourists, had they been watching the filming, will be posting here. They would probably be in their 80's now...

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Originally Posted by johng

ukran1ans, Glad you enjoy my pics. Are you headed to Negril tomorrow as your ticker indicates? Have a safe and fun trip!!


Does anybody remember the guy who ran Rick's back in the 70's. He was a white guy from New Jersey sort of a big guy, had a big motorcycle parked right by the entrance. Rick's at the time was a hit but way smaller than the subsequent building over the years. Whatever the owner / operator's name was I remember him as a nice guy. I used to always talk MC's with him. Anybody remember him??

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I think you are referring to Carl Newman.

Rob, Yes you are correct. I guess the only person / people that remember back that far would be a local Negril resident with a very good memory. When did the road to Negril (passable by car) get built??

BCBud, You are right his name was Carl (I never knew his last name) he used to sit at a table right as you entered Rick's from the parking area. He used to wear black wrap around sun glasses. It was always fun to see him every year when I went back to Negril.

Back then there were good sized crowds at Rick's for sunset but the establishment itself was sort of small. I understand that Rick's suffered through several Hurricanes before the big build.

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Johng,

The original road to Negril, referred to as the "old road" was constructed in '59 - '60. Before that, the only way to Negril was by boat or the ferry. Even that boy with the "Eat at Joe's" painted on his face would be in his mid to late 70's by now.

And as I stated previously, the big build at Rick's happened in the mid 2000's after Ivan, Rita and Wilma mashed the place. The page links I posted from '96 shows Rick's as still being small with visitors actually sitting on the cliff face watching our famous sunsets!

For the history buffs, a good book is “The Story of Westmoreland, a Jamaican Parish” written by Marguerite R. Curtin published in 2010. The book was sponsored by the Jamaican Natiional Building Society Foundation. The author has written several books about Jamaica, including “The Story of Hanover, a Jamaican Parish” published in 2007; and she was awarded the Order of Distinction (“OD”) by the Govt of Jamaica in 2009.

I bought my copy at a bookstore in SavLaMar about six years ago for $2000 JA. The book has a lot of information, is well organized from chapter 1 “Taino Times” to chapter 21 “Negril Emerges”, and includes lots of old photo’s, illustrations and maps. I expect you can also find a copy to read at the public library in Sav and the one in Negril. I plan to donate my copy to one of the libraries the next time I get back to Jamaica. Some of the hotels in Negril may also have copies (in the author’s acknowledgements, she notes having interviewed Ray Arthurs (owner of Arthurs Golden Sunset), Daniel & Sylvie Grizzle (Charela Inn), the Moo Young family (White Sands), the late Mrs Elethia Thompson (Bar B Barn) and others.

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Originally Posted by johng

Great Pics Rob!!

Many years ago I met an older Negril gentleman who lived on the beach for many years close to where Kirk Douglas is standing in the first pic. His Name was Lazarus Reynolds who told me that when they were filming the movie 20,000 Leagues under the Sea that the movie production team had a big yacht anchored off Negril Beach and every night they would ferry groups of local Negril girls by small boat to the yacht for wild parties, Lazarus words not mine.

Anybody out there who was in Negril during that time frame??

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Johng - there are still several Negril born and raised oldtimers who would probably remember those times, such as Ronnie Arthurs (Daddy Ronnie), Ray Arthurs (Golden Sunset), Ossie Donaldson (Ossies Jerk Centre & Donaldson Inn), Daniel Grizzle (Charela); all of whom are likely in their mid to late 70's ... I'm now in my early 70's and I think they are a few years older than me.

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Originally Posted by BCBud

Johng - there are still several Negril born and raised oldtimers who would probably remember those times, such as Ronnie Arthurs (Daddy Ronnie), Ray Arthurs (Golden Sunset), Ossie Donaldson (Ossies Jerk Centre & Donaldson Inn), Daniel Grizzle (Charela); all of whom are likely in their mid to late 70's ... I'm now in my early 70's and I think they are a few years older than me.

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I think that Lazarus Reynolds would be would be Joy Reynolds (Mama Flo's and the Fisherman's Club before that) grandfather on her father's side.

Cap

Thanks everybody!! Rob, BCBud, Cap, your news, insight are much appreciated.

BCBud when did you first visit Negril??

Cap I met Mr. Reynolds in probably 1978 and he at that time seemed to be in his late 80's maybe in his 90's. A very nice and friendly man who was more than happy to talk about the history of Negril. Do you know when Sandy Park (Frome Retreat) was constructed?? I remember in 1975 it was still in pretty good condition but was starting to look abandoned until it seemed to fall apart. What a nice piece of real estate that was!!

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Originally Posted by johng

Thanks everybody!! Rob, BCBud, Cap, your news, insight are much appreciated.

BCBud when did you first visit Negril??

Cap I met Mr. Reynolds in probably 1978 and he at that time seemed to be in his late 80's maybe in his 90's. A very nice and friendly man who was more than happy to talk about the history of Negril. Do you know when Sandy Park (Frome Retreat) was constructed?? I remember in 1975 it was still in pretty good condition but was starting to look abandoned until it seemed to fall apart. What a nice piece of real estate that was!!

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In the late 60s and early 70s it was well used. I was working for W&N so I spent a few nights there.

It those walls could talk........


Cap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johng

Thanks everybody!! Rob, BCBud, Cap, your news, insight are much appreciated.

BCBud when did you first visit Negril??

Cap I met Mr. Reynolds in probably 1978 and he at that time seemed to be in his late 80's maybe in his 90's. A very nice and friendly man who was more than happy to talk about the history of Negril. Do you know when Sandy Park (Frome Retreat) was constructed?? I remember in 1975 it was still in pretty good condition but was starting to look abandoned until it seemed to fall apart. What a nice piece of real estate that was!!

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Johng,

DEFINITELY read the History of Westmoreland. It's​ a great read, and I have​ talked with many who were interviewed for the book.

You will love it!

Rob Thanks!! Yes I will definitely look out for it.

Hey Cap, forget about the walls I trust your memory, HAHAHA!!

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I really enjoy the old photos. I'm curious what brought some of you to Negril in the 70'? I wish I would have discovered it sooner. Been coming to Jamaica off an on since 98'.

OMG you brought back such good memories of the '70's. The quiet beach, the wharf club and i even see the Villas hotel. We stayed there in 79 when we came back to Negril with our 1 yr old daughter instead of staying in Red Ground. I can see the balcony we sat on.

Yeffers, I can only speak for myself but what brought me to Negril in 1975 was an awesome beach, great weather and a very inexpensive vacation. I either stayed with a family, pitched a tent or rented a small room I made it on about $10USD a day. In comparison Fort Lauderdale and Key West were totally overcrowded and expensive. Negril was still somewhat of a secret and along with being inexpensive everybody going there knew that Ganja was available and lots less of a hassle than the US so combined with cheap airfare from NYC it was a no brainer.

JaHowards, glad my photos invoked an OMG moment for you. The Villa's Negril was one of the best spots and deals in Negril. Close enough to walk to the beach but the pool was killer. Rooms had AC and functional bathrooms with hot water, comfortable beds. Brimsley Hall was second to none as a bartender, always a good act on Saturday nights and a Manager's Cocktail Party (Happy Hour) with free food and drinks. I think the room rate as a solo was in 1977 about $50USD maybe less so I could do a week in a tent and then splurge for a couple of nights at the Villa's.

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Very sad to learn of the passing of Sylvie Grizzle. I met her decades ago when she and her husband bought Mirage and built Charela. Apparently she became an important environmental activist for Negril. What a tremendous loss for her family and the Negril community. R.I.P Sylvie Grizzle. Attachment 49253
Sylvie Grizzle at Mirage (late 1970s/early 1980s)

Thanks for sharing the photo of Sylvie Grizzle...our hearts are broken for the Grizzle family.

Wow, great pictures! Thanks so much for sharing. I was busy being born in the late 70's, so I didn't make it to Negril until 2005. Would have loved to have seen it like this. I fell in love with the Belmont/Bluefields area a few years ago, probably because they still kinda look like the Jamaica in these pictures. Really cool to see.

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Sad news indeed, Rest in peace Sylvie Grizzle!!

Stayed at Charela Inn several times although not for a few years now. What a beautiful experience Charela Inn was. Awesome beach.

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Staff at Charlela said the memorial service is today in a church across from Charela. Anyone know more details?

We will be there... known Sylvie for decades...

How do you add pictures ?

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Very Nice Cap!!


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Sammy Jackson's
Jenny's Cakes
Rick's

1979

Nice photos!!

In the pic of the bar at Rick's behind where the 3 guys are sitting is the spot I used to jump from, maybe 30-40ft up.

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Originally Posted by johng

Nice photos!!

In the pic of the bar at Rick's behind where the 3 guys are sitting is the spot I used to jump from, maybe 30-40ft up.

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So different in 1979. We had Rick's all to ourselves that afternoon. We dove and jumped multiple times. I always jump for old time's sake when I go back. Did it on 96 and 2013. Going in a few days and thinking about diving one more time. Probably act my age and jump but you never know.

Redlegger,

Yes I could tell your photos dated back to the late 70's. By the shadow the bar at Rick's is casting it appears to be mid afternoon?

As far as jumping again goes I was thinking the other day what would happen if you (or anyone) got hurt in a jump or dive. Who would jump in to save you other than a friend or family member? I don't think they have lifeguards or anything at Rick's you would pretty much be on your own. Somebody had a problem after jumping a year or two ago and I think it had a bad ending.