This is the actual radio station, situated on the north side of town. I haven't spent much time here yet. I've been at the towers and transmitter station on the south side of town. When Joe the station manager gets back in the country next week I'll take some pictures inside.I'm not completely sure of the reasons for having 2 sites, but apparently the site for the towers on the south side of the island is ideal for broadcasting, which is likely why this island was chosen. It's all flat limestone, which apparently makes a great base for sending signals out. However, that part of the island can be flooded during the rainy season, which means it wouldn't be good to have the station itself there.
If you're interested in reading about the history of Trans World Radio and its founder Paul Freed:
http://www.amazon.com/remarkable-Story-Trans-World-founder/dp/0840757093/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241652351&sr=1-1
The Bonaire station is featured prominently in the book, but I can't say much more than that since I just started reading it today.
Dean, the art work on the end of the building, is it some sort of folding curtain or what? Also, do the engines still work? Are they used periodically?
ReplyDeleteRick
The end wall is just sort of wavy, with the picture painted on it. I like it, because it makes it look like water.
ReplyDeleteThe engines don't work. One engine is more intact (the one I took the picture of), and the other one has more pieces missing.