Belize City's Police Department yard long ago
The houses in the background show Shamah's Ice Cream Parlour (white) and the building at the corner of Queen Street and New Road that was once a drug store, but was later bought out by Valencia's Ice Cream
On the left of Shamah was Rodies Restaurant owned by Roddie Smith. He had two daughters who were friends of mine. One named Brenda.
If this exit leads to queens street then the house next to the brick bldg is Original Simon Quan Store.Behind this building was the small Valencia Ice Cream Parlour which did brisk business on the New Road. Across the street was another Willy Wiley's Ice cream parlour operated by an American in competition to valencia. At sometime in 1966 there was a huge Fire coming out of Wielys parlour which engulfed almost the whole block right up to the corner of barrack road and then on the new road almost to shamahs pharmacy. to make matters worse the fire crossed the street and also burned down Valencia's. so belize was left with only some home made ice cream. Valencia quickly sprung back and rebuilt a much more advanced facility and understandably also bought over the wylys location.
The name of the Drug Store at the corner was Gabb's Drugstore. owned by millionaire Mr Bob Turton. One of the druggist manager was Chino Acosta assisted by druggist Mr.Marley.
Photograph courtesy Noel Escalante
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