Dann Lewis

Eleuthera, an out island in the Bahama archipelago, is the proverbial conglomerate of sea grape, coral reefs and sun.

There is an unwritten law that permeates the thinking of the people of this 110-mile long “escape hatch” from mainland ulcer production. Simply: “you needn’t fear anything ‘organized’ here!”

A half-hour trip by plane from Nassau, Eleuthera (from the Greek word “eleutheros” meaning “free”) is the mecca of shallow flats, the epitome of Bahamian villages and settlements, and a retreat from the rush rush rush of the business world. Eleuthera and neighborly residents have everything from comfort and excitement to climate and cocktails.

“Sir, you’ll just have to be able to entertain yourself here. We don’t dress for dinner, we don’t plan a day’s activities, and we don’t try to force a good time on you,” Dann Lewis welcomes a guest.

Dann Lewis is a 23 year-old Dartmouth graduate who planned and developed his little club hard by the northwest sector of Eleuthera.

“We believe people want a vacation, not a swap in timetables, so that’s what they get,” Lewis continues. “That’s why we keep Current open in all four seasons. We want something for everyone.

Current serves as a typical example of the local modus operandi of Eleuthera. Current was begun, using only local help in August of 1960.

Accommodations for 24 and solid bookings through April was achieved by November. And the plans did not end there. “We’re starting construction to accommodate at least 150 before we’re through,” Lewis said. “After we’re finished dredging to dock boats with no more than a six feet draw, we will use the club house for a yacht club and build a new and bigger dining room and lounge area.

So what is the attraction of the more undeveloped out islands of the Bahama chain?

“You have to see this place to know” recalls Dann Lewis, who hails from Boston. “This particular spot where I built the Current Club was no more than an overgrowth of coral and sea grape. It is just breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled.”

from: Palm Beach Life, August 1961

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