Randolph Rust Collection

Randolph Rust, London born businessman and oil pioneer, arrived in Trinidad in 1881. He went into business and established the commercial firm Rust Trowbridge and Company. He was the person who established the oil industry in Trinidad and struck oil in 1901. He continued to be involved in oil exploration for the next two decades. He was a member of the Port of Spain City Council from 1914-1929 and also served a term (1920-21) as Mayor of Port of Spain. The collection consists mainly of photographs documenting many aspects of the early years of the oil industry in Trinidad. They include shots of the Aripero Well and other areas in Guayaguayare, which were the scene of Rust's pioneering efforts; clearing, drilling and shipping activities; steel derricks; housing areas; important events, e.g. the Governor's visit. Most of the photographs carry captions or explanations in pencil. The photographs, many of which include Randolph Rust himself, were the property of Mrs. Randolph Rust, his widow. She gave them to Mr. Robert Henry who donated them to the library.