Member-only story
A Picture of Ponce
A photo story in six words
Colors of life, looking at me.
On January 25, 1899 — a year after the Spanish American War when Puerto Rico became a possession of the United States — a military munitions depot caught fire and exploded near the center of Ponce, which at the time was the island’s principal city. A group of firefighters rushed to the scene, but they were forbidden to act by the military commanders as it was US government property.
The firefighters disobeyed the orders and successfully fought the fire that threatened to destroy the city. They were arrested, but the community rose up in protest, calling them heroes. The authorities relented, the town celebrated their bravery, and eventually provided free housing for them.
For more than a century, an annual drawing has been held among the city’s firefighters: the winner receives a house on 25 of January Street (Calle 25 de enero). Many of the homes are still in the possession of descendants of the firefighters who saved the city. The houses and the original 1883 firehouse, now a museum, are painted in red and black — the colors of the city — and are popular visitor attractions.*
- This was originally written for and accepted by another publication. I removed it and, after making a few small changes and additions, am happy to share it here with my readers. RCFG
Want to know about my new posts? I can keep you in the loop if you subscribe to my list HERE.
Curious about my other fiction, poetry or essays? You can browse my archive HERE.
