Laura Barre writes us via the Mail Bag!
I was at the Titchfield in the early 60’s when Rex Rand bought it, and it was called “Jamaica Reef hotel”. The natives were all still talking about Erroll and how he won that island across from the hotel in a card game. The hotel was run down, but beautiful, and the breezes felt like soft, wet silk against your skin. I must have been one of the first people there after he bought it, because the parties had not yet started, and it wasn’t organized at all. I do recall getting really dressed for dinner in a chiffon gown, and thinking the surroundings were those of the most lush, tropical paradise I could imagine. I so want to return for nostalgia purposes. How lovely that some of it is still there.
Laura
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Laura, thanks so much for writing! I love the Titchfield Hotel (Jamaica Reef) as it became known. And all of Error’s time there. My friend Dennis Mullen was able to get onto the restricted military base where the hotel stood and to see the remains of the 3 pools, part of the floor of the ballroom and the path through the lush greens that he was told everybody used. Do you have any photos of the hotel?
I’d like to put up your comments to me as a Mail Bag item on the blog if you don’t mind? It would be fascinating for the blog to read what you said …
Here are some of Dennis’s photos. Two are from the resort on Navy Island. That is Dennis in the photos.
Regards,
David
David DeWitt/Admin/The Errol Flynn Blog
Sent from Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
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Wish I had taken photos! I remember the paths well, as I was worried about tripping in heels. I remember going on a long path of steps to then where we dined, in a circle, surrounded by these tall trees, all seeming very overgrown. I was staying in a little cottage which only had a ceiling fan to cool off, and my hair continued to never really “dry”. There were night blooming bushes outside my door that were like perfume. Go ahead if you like and upload my comments. What’s going on with Navy Island now? I’m intending to go back up there. Rex had sent a car for me that picked me up in Kingston, and I’ll never forget those scary winding mountain roads, and going through Kingston with lots of people in the roads carrying on. A novel experience for a young woman. I ‘ll bet they are still telling stories about Erroll around there!
Laura
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Thanks, Laura!
— David DeWitt
Gentleman Tim
December 19, 2016 at 7:30 am
Thank you, Laura! That is some great inside info. I hope you make it back, to both Port Antonio, and to the EFB!!
And thank you, David. You’re such a great person, administrator, and friend of Dennis.
The Real Person!
December 19, 2016 at 5:58 pm
This is a little silly for me to bring into this really wonderful story, but have you noticed the Blue Mountain ad? In it mentions; Lou Abbott and Bub Costello – yet its actually the reverse, yes? It should be Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
Sorry to impute negativity, again into this really cool post.
By the way David, Laura ask an interesting question, that for one I would like to know myself. She asked;” What’s going on with Navy Island now?”….
Do you or Rory have any info as to what is going on there in the last few years? Thanks for sharing… Sergio
The Real Person!
December 19, 2016 at 7:37 pm
Speaking of EF and A & C : youtu.be/TWfR3BeAbl8…