Up to 1960 Woodbrook had its own retail market which was demolished to give way to construction of the Woodbrook Government Secondary School.
In 1961, WGSS or WSS as it is now known, was one of 3 modern secondary schools to fully open doors in Port-of-Spain.
There were only three classes, namely two Form Twos and one Form Three.
The remainder of the school was housed at the Victoria Institute
opposite Memorial Park.
Later the French Street Market, which shared the
same space, was demolished to pave the way for a new structure to
accommodate the entire school population.
The school houses 19 form classes consisting of three forms each at lower school (Forms 1-3) and four Forms 4 and 5 respectively, moving from just 105 pupils in 1961 to 560 in 2011 (50th Anniversary).
The school houses 19 form classes consisting of three forms each at lower school (Forms 1-3) and four Forms 4 and 5 respectively, moving from just 105 pupils in 1961 to 560 in 2011 (50th Anniversary).
For a short period of time, WSS also housed upper school classes - Form 6.
Coming from the bowels of the sugar cane industry, Woodbrook was a 367-acre sugar cane estate owned by W F Burnley of Scotland. In 1899 it was sold to the Seigert family for 50,000 pounds sterling.
Twelve years later, in January 1911, the Siegerts sold it to the Port of Spain Town Board for 85,000 pounds, and on November 1, 1911 the formal handing over of the property took place.
Having sold the property, the Siegerts wanted the family connection with the estate to be preserved. At their request, nine streets were named after family members. Cornelio, Carlos, Alfredo, Luis, Alberto, Rosalino, Ana, Petra and Gallus. In addition, the site of the old sugar factory was developed into a square and named Siegert Square.
The original members of the family were nationals of Germany. Dr Benjamin Siegert, the family's patriarch, had migrated to Venezuela during that country's fight for freedom.
After joining the Venezuelan army he was assigned as surgeon general for the town of Angostura in the Orinoco, but he was soon to become the pioneer of a herbal concoction called Angostura Bitters. Using tropical herbs and plants he manufactured the Angostura Bitters which soon gained popularity.
His stay in Venezuela was short-lived when he was forced to leave the country on account of political turbulence. He then moved his operations from Venezuela to Trinidad, where he started a small factory at Marine Square. It was from the profits of his concoction that he was able to acquire enough money to purchase Woodbrook estate.
Woodbrook is approximately one mile from central Port of Spain. The eastern boundary is Lapeyrouse cemetery, Maraval River on the west, Queen's Park Oval on the north, and south by Wrightson Road. There are 32 streets, two roads and one avenue connecting Woodbrook to central Port of Spain.
In 1926 a portion of land was reserved in Woodbrook, land for a cemetery to serve residents in and around the area. In it there is a special section for burial of Jews, some of whom were victims of the German Holocaust. Mikey Cipriani, who died in a plane crash, and Archbishop Elton Griffith, the cleric who was responsible for the liberation of the Shouter Baptists, are interred there.
Woodbrook has many historical sites that can serve as the nucleus of open-air museums at Siegert Square and Augustus Williams playground. The old post office, the former home of Dr Williams, Woodbrook estate office, St Crispin's Anglican Church, Invaders panyard, Woodbrook Youth Centre are some of the offerings of Woodbrook.
In addition to its grocery stores, cafes, bars, drugstores, eating places and musical bands it was the original home of Solo beverages bottled by Joseph Charles and Co.
The factory was located at the corner of Tragarete Road and White Street.
Woodbrook's greatest contribution to life in Trinidad continues in areas of sport and entertainment.
Several organisations and institutions have left their mark on the cultural and sporting canvas.
For many years a site adjacent to Wrightson Road was the first home to circuses and Coney Island shows.
SPORT
In the 1950s and 1960s, the streets of Woodbrook provided an arena for many youths to play and develop their skills in soccer and cricket. In addition, King George V Park (Pompi-Eye), behind the Queen's Park Oval in neighboring St. Clair, provided additional space for many of these youths to hone these skills. Competitive youth soccer teams that functioned during this period included Fallen Angels, Totspurs, and Rockerfellas.
In the 1960s, the Youth Center at the south end of O'Connor Street was the place where competition was held in basketball, table-tennis, and soccer. Some of the youths who spent many years playing at this facility and who went on to achieve national recognition were Winston "Reds" Mulligan (table-tennis), Kelvin Barclay (soccer), and Reynold Marcelin (soccer).
Cricketers who were born in Woodbrook and who went on to represent the West Indies in Test cricket were Lennox "Bunny" Butler, Michael "Joey" Carew, Gerry Gomez, Deryck Murray, Lance Pierre, Willie Rodriguez, Edwin Lloyd St. Hill, and Wilton H. St. Hill. Cecil St. Hill, brother of Edwin and Winston, also represented T&T and the trio set a record for the largest number of brothers to represent T&T in cricket.
ENTERTAINMENT
The London Electric Theatre, later renamed Astor, at the corner of Baden-Powell and French Streets, was Trinidad's first cinema. This cinema featured American, British, and Indian movies. It also was the occasional site of talent shows hosted by radio personalities such as Bonnie Crichlow. Kids flocked to Saturday matinee shows because of its double features. It ceased operations as a cinema in the 1980s.
The Little Carib: Located at the intersection of White and Roberts Streets, the popularity of this theatre grew during the 1950s as residents began to appreciate the acting and dancing talents of its young artists choreographed by its founder, Beryl McBurnie. Carib performers who went on to achieve international fame included Geoffrey Holder and Pearl Primus. In 1975, the theatre was recognized for its contribution to culture and dancing when it was awarded the Trinidad & Tobago Public Service Medal of Merit Gold.
Roxy: Located at the intersection of Damain Street and Tragarete Road, this cinema featured American, British, and Indian movies. It also was the occasional site of the popular weekly children's talent show, "Auntie Kaye," and, prior to the construction of Queen's Hall in St. Ann's, was the site of Music Festivals. It ceased operations as a cinema in the 1980s.
A talented designer, George Bailey rocketed on the mas scene in 1957 at the young age of 23 with his presentation of Back to Africa which won Band of the Year honors. He won five more Band of the Year titles before his untimely death in 1970: Relics of Egypt (1959); Ye Saga of Merrie England (1960); Byzantine Glory (1961); Somewhere in New Guinea (1962); and Bright Africa (1969).
Peter Minshall who also made Woodbrook his home for many years, prior to moving his production company to Chaguaramas, housed his mascamp Callaloo Company on French Street. Callaloo copped 5 Band-of-the-Year awards with Carnival of the Sea (1979), Carnival Is Colour (1987), Hallelujah (1995), Song of the Earth (1996), and Tapestry: Threads of Life (1997)
Today one can find many of the popular Carnival mas bands and Steelbands housed in Woodbrook. Steelpan: Invaders, Starlift, Phase II, Woodbrook Play Boyz, Woodbrook Modenaires, Silver Stars Mas Bands: Legacy, Tribe, Spice, Ronnie & Caro, Trini Revellers, Rosalind Gabriel (kids band), D' Midas & Associates, Fantasy, D'Krewe, Bliss, McFarlane, Genesis, Chocolate City (J'ouvert), Elements, Evolution, Harts, Island People, K2K Alliance, Showtime to name a few.
Many famous Trinidadians have either been born or have made Woodbrook their home. The list is an extensive one; it includes Dr Eric Williams, father of the nation; Rudranath Capildeo and his nephew Sir Vidya Naipaul, Pat Bishop, William Demas, Joey Carew, Lystra Lewis, Arthur Lok Jack, the Sabgas, Bishop Clive Abdulah, and many others.
Ariapita Avenue and Tragarete Road have now become almost entirely commercialised with Ariapita Avenue becoming an upscale dining and entertainment strip.
1st November 2011 marked 100 years of State-managed growth and development of the area.
Excerpts Courtesy: The Trinidad Express: Sep 11, : By Louis B Homer South Bureau and Best of Trinidad and T&T Island Mas Bands
****************
ABOUT WOODBROOK - the area Coming from the bowels of the sugar cane industry, Woodbrook was a 367-acre sugar cane estate owned by W F Burnley of Scotland. In 1899 it was sold to the Seigert family for 50,000 pounds sterling.
Twelve years later, in January 1911, the Siegerts sold it to the Port of Spain Town Board for 85,000 pounds, and on November 1, 1911 the formal handing over of the property took place.
Having sold the property, the Siegerts wanted the family connection with the estate to be preserved. At their request, nine streets were named after family members. Cornelio, Carlos, Alfredo, Luis, Alberto, Rosalino, Ana, Petra and Gallus. In addition, the site of the old sugar factory was developed into a square and named Siegert Square.
The original members of the family were nationals of Germany. Dr Benjamin Siegert, the family's patriarch, had migrated to Venezuela during that country's fight for freedom.
After joining the Venezuelan army he was assigned as surgeon general for the town of Angostura in the Orinoco, but he was soon to become the pioneer of a herbal concoction called Angostura Bitters. Using tropical herbs and plants he manufactured the Angostura Bitters which soon gained popularity.
His stay in Venezuela was short-lived when he was forced to leave the country on account of political turbulence. He then moved his operations from Venezuela to Trinidad, where he started a small factory at Marine Square. It was from the profits of his concoction that he was able to acquire enough money to purchase Woodbrook estate.
Woodbrook is approximately one mile from central Port of Spain. The eastern boundary is Lapeyrouse cemetery, Maraval River on the west, Queen's Park Oval on the north, and south by Wrightson Road. There are 32 streets, two roads and one avenue connecting Woodbrook to central Port of Spain.
In 1926 a portion of land was reserved in Woodbrook, land for a cemetery to serve residents in and around the area. In it there is a special section for burial of Jews, some of whom were victims of the German Holocaust. Mikey Cipriani, who died in a plane crash, and Archbishop Elton Griffith, the cleric who was responsible for the liberation of the Shouter Baptists, are interred there.
Woodbrook has many historical sites that can serve as the nucleus of open-air museums at Siegert Square and Augustus Williams playground. The old post office, the former home of Dr Williams, Woodbrook estate office, St Crispin's Anglican Church, Invaders panyard, Woodbrook Youth Centre are some of the offerings of Woodbrook.
In addition to its grocery stores, cafes, bars, drugstores, eating places and musical bands it was the original home of Solo beverages bottled by Joseph Charles and Co.
The factory was located at the corner of Tragarete Road and White Street.
Woodbrook's greatest contribution to life in Trinidad continues in areas of sport and entertainment.
Several organisations and institutions have left their mark on the cultural and sporting canvas.
For many years a site adjacent to Wrightson Road was the first home to circuses and Coney Island shows.
SPORT
In the 1950s and 1960s, the streets of Woodbrook provided an arena for many youths to play and develop their skills in soccer and cricket. In addition, King George V Park (Pompi-Eye), behind the Queen's Park Oval in neighboring St. Clair, provided additional space for many of these youths to hone these skills. Competitive youth soccer teams that functioned during this period included Fallen Angels, Totspurs, and Rockerfellas.
In the 1960s, the Youth Center at the south end of O'Connor Street was the place where competition was held in basketball, table-tennis, and soccer. Some of the youths who spent many years playing at this facility and who went on to achieve national recognition were Winston "Reds" Mulligan (table-tennis), Kelvin Barclay (soccer), and Reynold Marcelin (soccer).
Cricketers who were born in Woodbrook and who went on to represent the West Indies in Test cricket were Lennox "Bunny" Butler, Michael "Joey" Carew, Gerry Gomez, Deryck Murray, Lance Pierre, Willie Rodriguez, Edwin Lloyd St. Hill, and Wilton H. St. Hill. Cecil St. Hill, brother of Edwin and Winston, also represented T&T and the trio set a record for the largest number of brothers to represent T&T in cricket.
ENTERTAINMENT
The London Electric Theatre, later renamed Astor, at the corner of Baden-Powell and French Streets, was Trinidad's first cinema. This cinema featured American, British, and Indian movies. It also was the occasional site of talent shows hosted by radio personalities such as Bonnie Crichlow. Kids flocked to Saturday matinee shows because of its double features. It ceased operations as a cinema in the 1980s.
The Little Carib: Located at the intersection of White and Roberts Streets, the popularity of this theatre grew during the 1950s as residents began to appreciate the acting and dancing talents of its young artists choreographed by its founder, Beryl McBurnie. Carib performers who went on to achieve international fame included Geoffrey Holder and Pearl Primus. In 1975, the theatre was recognized for its contribution to culture and dancing when it was awarded the Trinidad & Tobago Public Service Medal of Merit Gold.
Roxy: Located at the intersection of Damain Street and Tragarete Road, this cinema featured American, British, and Indian movies. It also was the occasional site of the popular weekly children's talent show, "Auntie Kaye," and, prior to the construction of Queen's Hall in St. Ann's, was the site of Music Festivals. It ceased operations as a cinema in the 1980s.
A talented designer, George Bailey rocketed on the mas scene in 1957 at the young age of 23 with his presentation of Back to Africa which won Band of the Year honors. He won five more Band of the Year titles before his untimely death in 1970: Relics of Egypt (1959); Ye Saga of Merrie England (1960); Byzantine Glory (1961); Somewhere in New Guinea (1962); and Bright Africa (1969).
Peter Minshall who also made Woodbrook his home for many years, prior to moving his production company to Chaguaramas, housed his mascamp Callaloo Company on French Street. Callaloo copped 5 Band-of-the-Year awards with Carnival of the Sea (1979), Carnival Is Colour (1987), Hallelujah (1995), Song of the Earth (1996), and Tapestry: Threads of Life (1997)
Today one can find many of the popular Carnival mas bands and Steelbands housed in Woodbrook. Steelpan: Invaders, Starlift, Phase II, Woodbrook Play Boyz, Woodbrook Modenaires, Silver Stars Mas Bands: Legacy, Tribe, Spice, Ronnie & Caro, Trini Revellers, Rosalind Gabriel (kids band), D' Midas & Associates, Fantasy, D'Krewe, Bliss, McFarlane, Genesis, Chocolate City (J'ouvert), Elements, Evolution, Harts, Island People, K2K Alliance, Showtime to name a few.
Many famous Trinidadians have either been born or have made Woodbrook their home. The list is an extensive one; it includes Dr Eric Williams, father of the nation; Rudranath Capildeo and his nephew Sir Vidya Naipaul, Pat Bishop, William Demas, Joey Carew, Lystra Lewis, Arthur Lok Jack, the Sabgas, Bishop Clive Abdulah, and many others.
Ariapita Avenue and Tragarete Road have now become almost entirely commercialised with Ariapita Avenue becoming an upscale dining and entertainment strip.
1st November 2011 marked 100 years of State-managed growth and development of the area.
Woodbrook Secondary School is proud to be part of this rich heritage.
Excerpts Courtesy: The Trinidad Express: Sep 11, : By Louis B Homer South Bureau and Best of Trinidad and T&T Island Mas Bands
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