TWO HISTORIC DOMINICAN HOUSES

Hello, everyone,

I had a very small Composition I class. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, classes have been held on line at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo since March last year. Besides studying material on writing, my students and I worked on a writing project entitled HISTORIC DOMINICAN HOUSES. Previous to the semester start, I went into the Internet and made a collection of pictures with Dominican historic houses I found there. Then each student chose the one he or she liked. In order to write each paragraph, they did research about several aspects of the houses they had chosen. In class, I guided them to generate ideas by quick writing. After they had put in paper all the information they had in mind about each particular aspect of the houses, we continued with the writing process until each paragraph was ready to be typed. The result was an original composition about that particular house they had chosen. Now, I am sharing the compositions two of my students wrote. Do not hesitate and write a comment telling about which of the houses calls your attention the most. You could also tell us about your impressions about the information shared about the houses and the heroes they belonged to. My students and I hope you enjoy these compositions.   

                                MÁXIMO GOMEZ ‘S HOUSE IN BANÍ

By Briandy Polanco

          Máximo Gomez's house in Baní is a place where people can learn about the hero’s life. Also, it was made like the house of his childhood. Because of that, the house shows where General Gomez spent most of his lifetime. The house is important because of its historical value.

           First of all, Máximo Gomez's house tells important information about his life. It was inaugurated on November 18th, 2016 to celebrate his birth anniversary. The house was designed by Fermio Mejia who made a design similar to General Gomez’s mother's house. It is located in Baní, Dominican Republic.

           In addition, Máximo Gomez's house is an interesting place. It has three blue windows which are painted beige on their edges. There are also two doors the same color and style. In front of the house, there is a big entrance and a beautiful garden. The house is made of wood and its roof is made with cana (simple palm leave with fan shape). It is antique and it has a fresh look.

             Reflecting about Máximo Gomez’s house is a gratifying experience. By observing the house, people can appreciate its architectural structure and view. Another reason why people like it is because it is very different from houses nowadays. The house is serving its purpose because it is a famous monument. There are some things that should be renewed such as the walls and the roof. Visiting that awesome place is a great idea.

             In conclusion, Máximo Gomez’s house is located in Baní at the park that bears his name. It is a replica of the house where the liberator was born. Besides historical objects, people see the nationalist spirit that characterized him and that every Dominican should possess. Walking in the hallways in the house, people can notice that there is a piece of the General’s heart on each wall. Dominicans and foreigners cannot miss the wonderful experience of visiting that place when they go to Baní. Máximo Gomez’s house is a Journey along his life and his important contribution to history. 

THE MIRABAL SISTERS HOUSE MUSEUM

By Fior Encarnación

The Mirabal Sisters House Museum is a beautiful place covered with Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal's memories. It is considered very important because it is a source of amazing human values. This Dominican house is remarkable due to it reflects Dominican women’s courage. It is a place where people can remember and keep the Mirabal sisters' patriotism alive.

Moreover, the Mirabal Sisters’ house shows interesting information. It was built in 1954 in Salcedo, Dominican Republic. This was the house where the Mirabal sisters spent the last ten months before their murder on November 25^th,1960. On December 8^th, it was formally established as a museum. The house maintains its original design and has only undergone modifications on the floors, ceiling and kitchen. On November 25^th, 2000, the remains of the Mirabal sisters and Manolo Tavares Justo, Minerva’s husband, were transferred to the pantheon erected in the garden, which was designed by the architect Rodolfo Pou. The place has four areas: the museum, the kitchen with a typical wood stove, and the administrative area, which includes a library and a cafeteria. This house has three rooms, in which visitors have the opportunity to appreciate the work made by Patria with her sewing machine.

Also, the Mirabal Sisters House Museum is an interesting house. It has a big garden with beautiful red flowers. On the top of the house, people can see a Dominican flag. It has two big doors and outside the house, there are two white benches where people can sit and enjoy the view. Also, the house is surrounded by many trees like coconut trees and others.

In addition, the Mirabal Sisters  House Museum has a positive influence on Dominicans. People like this house because it is a place where women’s values stand out. It is a treasure for Dominicans. It is a place where people who like history go and enjoy the story of Mirabal Sisters' lives. Since this is a peaceful place, they can go there with their families. Each part of this house tells something interesting about those Dominican heroines. The political participation of the Butterflies (their nickname), one of the most interesting historical events in the Dominican Republic and all over the world, covers the house. People consider that the Mirabal Sisters House Museum is one of the most beautiful houses. Students from all over the country are taken there. They really have a good time in the house. These are many reasons that make the Mirabal Sisters’ home remarkable.

To sum up, the Mirabal Sisters House Museum shows the Mirabal Sisters' most relevant aspects and was established as a museum due to its great influence and importance in Dominican society. It is a beautiful and cozy house, which has details and qualities that make it unique and incomparable. It is like a chest that contains the feelings, tears, and happy moments that characterized the Butterflies. These have permitted their memories to remain intact in Dominican society. It tells the world that values are the most important because they are part of people’s identity.

Santo Domingo 2021