Old Tarpum Bay - South Eleuthera Island

The original name was "Glenlg" then "Tarpon Bay" for the fish. It was mispronounced and became Tarpum Bay. It was the first settlement in Eleuthera to have electricity thanks to Arthur Vining who had a mistress on Winding Bay and Arthur wanted electricity! In the olden days, the settlement was known for its excellent tomatoes. The original primary school, Old Prep Arts and Cultural Center, had huge storage bins under the school floor for storage. Mr. Gibson, who wrote the National Anthem, was an Old Prep headmaster.

Tarpum Bay men were the island fighters largely because they produced a LOT of rum!

Tarpum Bay was home to the best fishermen on the island. Celebrities like Burt Reynolds came to Tarpum Bay and hired Captain McCartney to take him fishing. Tarpum bay is one of the oldest settlements -- there are many old fishermen’s houses still there. My house was built in 1826 and there are others. - Lynn Larson.