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monument in 1969. Balaguer would entrust architect
Teofilo Blanchard, working with the late historian
Manuel de Jesus Manon Arredondo, with the restora-
tion of the monument from 1971-1974.
Blanchard strove to preserve the original fort walls, but
used different construction materials for the restoration
so that visitors could distinguish between what was
built during and following the colonial period.
The Fortaleza San Felipe can be toured in half an hour
for those who are pressed for time. Those with more
time to spare, however, should spark up a conversation
with the two men who have been entrusted with the
care of the fort for over 30 years. Rafael Rodriguez has
been selling admission tickets to the monument since
he was hired in 1971 as a handyman to help with the
onsite restoration of architect Blanchard.
Once inside, Puerto Plata tour guides will be introduced
to the monument’s custodian, the legendary Firlon
Simmons, also known as Blacky. After welcoming the
visitors to the monument, Simmons may reveal grim
details on how the fort’s interior moat doubled as a
mortal trap for unexpected assailants. The moat was
lifted from above and unsuspecting invaders would
fall into the murky waters that hid pointed wooden
stacks to meet their deaths.
Simmons can tell equally gory tales of the tough days
and nights of those kept prisoner in the fort’s cells later
on. The father of Dominican patriotism, Juan Pablo
Duarte, was imprisoned in one of its three cells from
1844 to 1845.
On a positive note, this consummate tour guide
professional can also tell you all about Puerto Plata’s
Victorian houses or how the city was when he was
growing up three quarters of a century ago.
Simmons is quick to surprise his listeners with the
information that he is the illegitimate son of Roder-
ick Arthur, the Turks Islands immigrant who would
become the master builder of many of Puerto Plata’s
regal houses and architectural monuments, including
Puerto Plata’s Central Park gazebo.
He may also reveal details on his own proficient prog-
eny; Simmons owns up to having 149 grandchildren
from the 15 children he raised when he was not
acquainting tourists with Puerto Plata in his fluent
Spanish, English, French and German. Simmons says
he acquired his language skills by accompanying
none other than Puerto Plata’s leading songwriter
and singer Juan Lockward on many of his outings.
Simmons has been known to serenade those he
takes more than a professional liking to with his own
melodious singing voice.
This octogenarian takes special pride in a comment
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