The tides is out or RUN AGROUND IN BAHRAIN

You decide. The caption says "Thornburg Bahrain Feb 57." I'm guessing this is not the boat Donald would be leaving on.


Click on image to see it larger.

The THORNBURG GUEST HOUSE on Umm as Sabaan

The caption on this slide is "Thornburg guest house Feb 1957." I don't know what the weather is like in February in Bahrain, especially now with climate change, but if there was a nice breeze coming in off the water this porch could be very nice; just string up a hammock and leave me alone. On the other hand, if it's just a hot desert breeze…no thank you.

You can see the jetty in the background that was featured in this post.


Click on image to see it larger.

The GARDENERS at Umm as Sabaan

When Donald G. Schnabel visited Bahrain in February 1957 he visited the island Umm as Sabaan where Max Thornburg and his wife lived. Max was a Middle East specialist and an employee of Standard Oil who had been "given" the island as a gift from the ruler of Bahrain. A nice job perk for sure.

These three fellows were the gardeners on the island. I have no other information. No names are written on the slide other than Thornburg.


Click on image to see it larger.

I'm guessing these fellows were in their twenties when this shot was taken which would put them in their late 70s to 80s now. It would be fascinating to find out who they were and how their lives progressed. When Thornburg gave the island back to the royal family, which I'm assuming he eventually did, did these gardeners stay on or move on?

Just another glimpse into someone else's past.

The LITTLE ORANGE TREE in Bahrain in 1957

What can you say about such a tiny tree producing such a big piece of fruit? Is the tree large and thriving today? Does it provide shade and wonderful orange blossom scents? It's the little tree that tried and succeeded and was acknowledged for its effort.

Donald on the JETTY AT UMM AS SABAAN

A shot of Donald G. Schnabel on the jetty at Umm as Sabaan in Bahrain, 1957. This is the island that had been given to Max Thornburg.

Lovely water.


Click on image to see it larger.