Only a few monumental buildings are left in Oranjestad. Among the oldest are "Fort Zoutman" (1798), and the little Protestant Church (1846). The oldest houses in town date back to the middle of the 19th century (1850’s).  Most of these houses have, however, disappeared or were changed in such ways that their original architecture cannot be seen anymore.

Whereas a number of old buildings have been restored in the neighborhood around "Matilde" recently, the house of “Matilda” takes a unique place in the short list of monuments.  The house of "Matilda" is one of a handful of 19th century dwellings in the center of the city which has always been kept in its original state and was never substantially damaged. It is the only privately owned building which has been kept uninterrupted in the same family since the 19th century.

Officially, as far as the records show, the house was registered on November  21, 1883 but in fact it most certainly dates back to the early 1850's during the time this part of the "Paardenbaai" was developed.

The house was originally build as a trading post annex living quarters by merchant sailor brothers Ruiz on the shore of “Paardenbaai”.  On December 22, 1886, the late Regina Clementina Oduber bought the house for 39.50 Florins.  Since then it has been passed on from generation to generation.

Regina Clementina’s grand niece Mathilda Oduber was the last to live in the family home. Ms. Matilda passed away on February 28, 1978 leaving her home to the present generation.

In keeping with Mathilda's love for her home and six generations of family history the house was restored in 1986 and kept in its original state ever since.

Today, we, the generations that follow, pay tribute to our dear Aunt and Gteat-Aunt.