D. Hamilton Jackson D. Hamilton Jackson was an important figure in the struggle for increased civil rights and worker’s rights in the Danish West Indies. When the islands were under Danish rule, Jackson traveled to Denmark to petition for better living conditions for the working class. He specifically addressed the issues of: 🗞 Lowering the […]
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Creque’s Alley and the Famous Folk Band, The Mamas and the Papas
The History of Creque’s Alley Did you know that Creque’s Alley was named for the Main Street merchant, Henry O. Creque? When he purchased the three warehouse buildings and alleyways in 1905, his name became synonymous with the location. Mr. Creque was somewhat of a celebrity himself when he reputedly found treasure in the caves at Norman […]
Why Are The Paintings By Ira Harrington Smith So Popular?
Ira Harrington Smith Have you heard of the artist, Ira Harrington Smith? Ira was a very talented painter whose prized works were extremely popular in St. Thomas. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to the islands and began painting colorful scenes of everyday life. His works featured on the cover of many magazines including the […]
Can You Name the National Flower of the US Virgin Islands?
The National Flower of the US Virgin Islands The Yellow Cedar is the National flower of the US Virgin Islands. It’s sometimes called Ginger Thomas, but its official name is Tecoma Stans. Growing up, we called this shrub the Yellow Trumpetbush because of its trumpet-shaped flowers which hung in beautiful clusters. They are a true […]
Take a Peak Into the Wonderful Workshop of Jim Tillet ~ 1961
Jim Tillet Are you familiar with the unique batik prints created by the artist, Jim Tillet? He made one-of-a-kind batik fabrics that became popular in the 1960s and have become highly collectible now! One browse through an online shop like eBay and you can find some of his pieces that have lasted the test of time. Some […]
Beautiful Market Square Painting by Robert F. Gates ~ 1936
Market Square, US Virgin Islands © Smithsonian American Art Museum I love discovering artwork from the Virgin Islands, especially unique pieces long forgotten! Here are several that were created in 1936 that captured the colorful and whimsical side of St. Thomas. Robert F. Gates During the summer months, Robert F. Gates and several American artists […]
Scenic Tramway Cablecars Were A Popular Attraction ~ 1963
The Tramway Cablecars The Tramway was the Caribbean’s biggest attraction when it opened in the 1960s in St. Thomas. This was one of our favorite places to visit as kids. The dramatic cablecar climbed high above Charlotte Amalie with breathtakingly, beautiful views of the harbor and town below. The higher we went, the smaller everything looked […]
Deadman’s Chest is a Real Location in the British Virgins ~ 1923
Have you read Stevenson’s Treasure Island? It’s one of my favorite books! I’m a bit partial having spent so much time on Norman Island, but I enjoy hunting for buried treasure. Now, instead of hunting on land, I hunt in libraries looking for stories about the Virgin Islands. Here’s an interesting one I found about […]