Cruz Bay Painting A rare coastal watercolor of Cruz Bay, St. John in the US Virgin Islands is up for auction. It’s by the Danish artist, Andreas Riis Carstensen. Carstensen specialized in maritime scenes using bright tropical colors which reflected the natural beauty of his environment. This rare find is signed by Carstensen himself in the […]
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Rare Pissarro Drawing from St. Thomas on Exhibit in London by Dr. Dante Beretta
Stern Pissarro Gallery in London is hosting an incredible exhibition, “Camille Pissarro: Works from the Gallery Collection”, from November 17 through December 4, 2021. The collection, which includes 45 pieces of his artwork, spans Pissarro’s entire career! Born on the island of St. Thomas in the Danish West Indies, Pissarro (1830-1903) is one of the most influential members […]
How Hotel Italia in St. Thomas Became a Popular Movie Venue During World War I by Dr. Dante Beretta
Opening Night: Lights, Camera, Action! Light from the half moon shimmered on old Charlotte Amalia harbor. Gentle trade winds cooled patrons gathered in the yard facing the sea. After announcements were made, the crowd hushed as newly installed electric lamps were switched off. The distinctive click-click-click-click of the 35-mm film feeding through the reel and […]
My Mother’s Memories of Mary’s Point ~ 1940s
Have you ever been to Francis Bay beach on St. John? 🌴 It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and a part of the Virgin Islands National Park. During the summer of 1927, this beach along with Mary’s Point were purchased by Herman and Emily Creque, my great-grandparents. Later in 1932, the historic […]
Virgin Islands Transfer Day Ceremony ~ 1917
Transfer Day Ceremony ~ 1917
St. Thomas Travelogue: In the Wake of the Bucaneers ~ 1936
St. Thomas Travelogue ~ 1936
The Oldest Inhabitant from St. John Dies ~ 1909
The Obituary of Salome Anthony of the Island of St. John Finding obituaries in the old newspapers is a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Island’s inhabitants. I found Salome Antony’s obituary fascinating. She was reported to be the oldest inhabitant from the island of St. John to pass away. Here are […]
How the Moravian Church in St. John Celebrated their First Harvest Festival ~ 1901
What was a Harvest Festival and how was it celebrated in St. John? A Harvest Festival was an annual get together that celebrated the success of the harvest grown in a given region. It was a time when families displayed their appreciation for the nourishment crops provided. The week was traditionally honored with Church celebrations and family […]
Bluebeard’s Castle, A Poem by Cyril Creque ~ 1920s
Bluebeard’s Castle By Cyril Creque Round the tower where legends have had their decay– Above me a mild blue, below me the bay, Birth wavelets reflecting the deep of the sky Where white veils of the angels flit brokenly by, Gentle blown by the song shaking breath of the trees__ Fall the copper-red rays of […]
Who was the First Local Band to Play in the Emancipation Garden? ~ 1907
For those who are curious, the first local band to play in the Emancipation Park was the Lionel Robert’s Brass Band. Here is the article that appeared in the St. Thomas Tidende on March 23, 1907. The Lionel Roberts Band “The Lionel Roberts’ Brass Band, composed of some 18 musicians, played in the Emancipation Garden […]