“I think this is the original Garden of Eden for it combines everything that was ever written about California and Florida—all in one place,” writes Mrs. Ben Williams from the Canal Zone where she and her husband are living. Mr. Williams was principal of McIver School last year.
In spite of the American occupation, Mrs. Williams says that the old world atmosphere still clings to the place; and the two Spanish cities, one at either end of the Canal, retain their customs and traditions of days gone by. There are bazaars of India, China, Hindu and Japan where one may barter for linens and laces.
“The Canal Zone is entirely American—everything and everybody is owned by the government. Our homes are assigned to us and preference is given for length of service, so by the time those who built the canal 25 years ago get what’s coming to them there isn’t much left for the newcomer.” However, Mrs. Williams declared that they had a comfortable, cool house with a porch extending around all four sides and surrounded by flowers and shrubs. The rooms are large and have ceilings 15 feet high. The partitions between rooms do not reach the ceiling, but leave three feet open so that air can circulate freely. The streets in Panama are narrow and are filled with cats and dogs and children, with peddlers crying and bells ringing. Mrs. Williams says, “You drive on the left hand side of the street and are fined $25 if you run over a dog and have to give way to horses, donkeys, and ox carts; so it takes head work to drive.”
From page 6 of High Life, the Greensboro High School newspaper, April 9, 1926
The American occupation mentioned in Mrs. Williams’ letter refers to the occupation of the 10-mile wide Panama Canal region, not the entire country. The Canal Zone was essentially a U.S. military base, which explains the assignment of housing. People living on military bases don’t own the land, whether they are military or civilian.
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/2018236516/1926-04-09/ed-1/seq-6/
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