Shipyard Colony, Belize, was founded in April 1958 by Old Colony Mennonites from Chihuahua and Durango States in Mexico. Clearing the forest was begun immediately, but by hand only. Thirty years later the ax had been replaced by the bulldozer and the chainsaw, and grain was harvested with a combine instead of a scythe. Sorghum, corn and rice have been primary grain crops. By the late 1980s several thousand broiler hens were sold weekly in surrounding towns, as were tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, sweet peppers, and other vegetables. Livestock was also a major source of income. Several sawmills were built and provided necessary lumber for houses and furniture. Carpenters and blacksmiths, several retail stores, and two dentists were also part of the settlement. The 1987 the colony's population was 1,966, including children. 

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 820. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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