LAGO COLONY COMMISSARY
The Commissary photographs are provided by Stan Norcom.
Note in the first photograph, taken in the 40's there is a ramp on each side of the "porch", the ramp was probably installed when they introduced shopping carts
In the photograph above and below the ramp can be clearly seen.
The following color photo of the commissary was provided by Bob Pearson, again the ramps can be seen.
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And an example of the Lago Commissary I.D. card. This card was also submitted by George "Rusty" Royer.
The foreign staff Commissary, a two-story brick building in the center of the residential section, is very much like a general store in the immense variety of the stock it keeps. It is the only mercantile establishment in the Colony, consequently, it has on sale practically all the necessities of life and many luxuries as well.
Merchandise available thee includes:
| Groceries | Glassware | Ironing Tables |
| Silverware | Beer | Card Tables |
| Bakery Products | Smoker's Supplies | Porch Chairs |
| Fruits | Soft Drinks | Light Bulbs |
| Men's & Boy's pants | Men/boy dress shirts | Men/Boy work pants |
| Children's shoes | Hosiery | Drug Sundries |
| Kitchen Utensils | Men/boy's work shirts | Cosmetics |
| Underwear | Haberdasheries | Men's Shoes |
| Pajamas | Hats & Caps | Table |
| Meats | Laundry Tubs | Notions |
| Tobaccos | Toys/Decorations | Shower Curtains |
| Bed Sheets | Blankets | China |
| Towels | Buckets | Holiday Food |
| Poultry | Fish | Dairy |
| Christmas Trees | Products | Kerosene (free) |
Hours are from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Women's or girl's cloths are not stocked, nor are yard goods of any kind. An acceptable variety of these articles is on sale in the stores of San Nicholaas or Oranjestad. Fresh milk and cream are not available on the island, and powered milk and evaporated milk are used instead.
The Commissary carries a representative assortment of standard brands, and no attempt can be made to satisfy individual tastes in these matters. The average prices are kept at a general level with those of the New Jersey area.
The booklet went on to note that delivery of groceries could be arranged to residences as well as the Bachelor Quarters and Girl's Dorm. A fee of 2.00 guilders was added to the order for delivery.
Kerosene, for the stoves, was free and delivered to the house without a fee. Kerosene had to be ordered the day before the delivery was requested.
Commissary employees, all local employees, were subject to discharge for accepting gratuities.
The Company also maintained a Laundry for foreign staff employees. The cost for wash, fold or press was $0.12 US per dry pound of clothing. Dry cleaning had to be taken to a privately owned dry cleaning establishment in San Nicolas.
