DANISH West Indies Archives ~ Vintage Virgin Islands™

The Battle of West Kay Near St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1801

Battle of West Kay, Captain Carl V. Jessen

Battle of West Kay, Courtesy of Bruun-Rassmussen, Auctioneers of Fine Art

Incredibly, two paintings depicting the Battle of West Kay off St. Thomas are being offered at auction today at Brunn Rasmussen, Auctioneers of Fine Art.

Former Governor, Captain Carl V. Jessen received the golden sword of honor for bravery from King Christian VII for his efforts to fight the British during this battle.

The Battle of West Kay

In March 1801, there was a report in St. Croix that the English had fitted out a fleet to occupy the Danish West Indies.

The Governor of these islands at the time, who was then residing in St. Croix, sent the brig Lougen, under Lieutenant Captain Carl Jessen, together with the schooner Vigilant, over to St. Thomas to get further information about these hostile rumors.

On the way over, the two Danish vessels discovered two English battleships and Captain Jessen ordered the Vigilant to keep at a distance in order to be able to go back to St. Croix to report if the English attacked.

And so it happened.... while Captain Jessen was approaching St. Thomas, the two English frigates came right up to him, the one was the HMS Arab, 26 guns, the other, a British privateer, Experiment.

Without warning, the Arab fired three sharp shots, but Captain Jessen was prepared and answered back. Shortening sail and proceeding slowly to St. Thomas, he kept firing at the two enemies as he was returning to St. Thomas' harbor.

Experiment then joined Arab in the attack on Lougen, with the two British ships sandwiching the Danish ship. The battle lasted for over an hour.

Captain Jessen steered close to the battery at Fort Christian for protection with the hopes that they could offer assistance.

Just then, a shot from Captain Jessen's vessel hit the side of the Arab which loosened its anchor from the side and by "falling into the sea, anchored the ship there".

The Vigilant's Escape

The other English vessel, the Experiment, pursued the Vigilant to St. Croix, but so swift was the Vigilant, that she reached St. Croix safety with the report of the battle.

Captain Jessen also arrived safely in St. Thomas, where he was "enthusiastically received by the people, who from on shore, had witnessed the fight". Captain Jessen was afterwards presented with a golden sword of honor for his bravery.

Famous in Danish History

But Captain Jessen was to make his name still more famous in Danish history.

In 1822, he was made a Rear-Admiral and shortly after appointed Governor of the Danish West Indies. He died in St. Thomas the following year, 1833.

For the centennial of this naval engagement between the English and the Danish warships, the national flag was hoisted on all the flag posts in the Danish West Indies in 1901.

Later, the gravesite of Captain Jessen was beautifully decorated with wreaths and flowers as many stopped by to visit in solemn remembrance of this brave hero.

In just a few hours, the two treasured paintings depicting this memorable moment in Virgin Islands history will have a new home.

Here is a direct link to the auction ==> http://bit.ly/2gzlGRX

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Collecting Postcards from the Past, Danish West Indies

By Valerie Sims

Postcards from the Past

Love collecting various postcards of the Danish West Indies and British Virgin Islands.

Here is a small sampling from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. Based on this advertisement from 1913, it'll take a lifetime to collect all of them. 🙂

V.I. Postcards available at amazon.com

Postcards from the Past ~ Danish West Indies

Witnessing a Solar Eclipse in the Danish West Indies ~ 1897

By Valerie Sims

The Solar Eclipse in the Danish West Indies ~ 1897

Solar Eclipse 1897 ~ Courtesy of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

As exciting as it was for many to witness the recent solar eclipse, imagine what it was like for those living one hundred and twenty years ago!

Days before the event, Danish Astrologer, Carl Frederick Pechule gave an account of what was to be expected on July 29, 1897.

Annular Solar Eclipse

Seldom was an opportunity available of seeing a genuine new moon, he said.

"All those who choose to look will be able to see the true new moon revealed against the bright background of the sun."

"It will look as though it's in front of the sun, but in reality, the space between them is immense!

The moon is not quite a quarter of a million miles distant from us, while the sun is over ninety millions of miles away from us."

The large annular eclipse will cover ninety-nine percent of the sun, creating a dramatic spectacle for observers fortunate to witness it. Of the sun's surface, only a narrow shining ring will remain visible.

The Eclipse ~ St. Thomas

The eclipse could be seen along a narrow pathway which passed over Mexico, the West Indies and the North coast of Brazil. "Because St. Thomas was within six miles of this area, visibility was greater."

Many watched in awe as they observed this phenomenon for the very first time. 🔭

It began at 9:30 am and ended at 1pm. Its duration was calculated at one minute and five-seconds.

The Eclipse ~ St. Croix

The path's center line was located twelve miles from St. Croix so visibility was not as great as at St. Thomas.

The Eclipse ~ Tortola

Tortola was on the southern limit of the path. Observing it from there revealed an almost annular eclipse.

Star Gazers

In St. Thomas, "local star gazers turned out in swarms! Almost every man, woman and child was provided with a bit of smoked glass, the only "instrument" used."

During its progress, a dull and peculiar light hung over the island. A little after 11 am, heavy clouds added to the dimness and cloudiness.

Weather Prophets

The astrologers and "weather prophets" of the day, forecasted violet hurricanes would sweep the West Indies on account of the eclipse.

Undeterred by their outlandish prophecies, everyone enjoyed this incredible experience! 🌒

Learn more about Solar Eclipses. Click for availability at amazon.com

Unveiling of the Bust of King Christian IX in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1909

By Valerie Sims

Unveiling the Bust of King Christian IX in St.Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1909

Long ago, it was recorded that August 5, 1909, would always be remembered in the "history of St. Thomas", as the day the public monument to King Christian the Ninth was erected.

Not true. Many have forgotten what August 5, 1909 meant for so many Danish citizens.

King Christian the Ninth

Unveiling the Bust of King Christian XI in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1909 — King Christian IX

For many, King Christian was the most beloved Danish sovereign.

He was one of the "world's most illustrious personages; one divinely endowed with the sublimest attributes, which made men great and noble."

He reigned as King of Denmark and its dominion for 43 years, 1863 to 1906. After his death, an idea was put forth to the Colonial Council to have a monument erected in his honor, which was favored unanimously.

The Monument

Three hundred inhabitants donated over 3,000 francs as a deposit towards its creation.

Vilhelm Bissen, the famous Danish sculptor, was commissioned to create the piece.

The bronze bust was four feet, seven inches in height and placed upon a pedestal of Bornholm granite, which together stood over nine feet tall.

It was the first publicly erected statue in the Danish West Indies.

The Ceremony

His Excellency, Governor Limpricht presided over a gala event to unveil the statue. Multitudes of thousands thronged the Emancipation Garden including all the school children, government officials and clergy to witness the unveiling.

His Majesty was trusted implicitly in his unwavering sense of justice and in his solicitous care for all his subjects, near and far.

The Inscription

On the pedestal was the following inscription regarding his birth and death:

Fodt 8 April 1818
Konge 15 November 1863
Dod 29 Januar 1906

At its base was placed a pretty wreath with flowers strewn around the ground enclosing it. Credit was given to Harbormaster Kruse and Dr. Viggo Christensen who displayed much zeal and energy in their responsibilities.

Unveiling the Bust

As the string was drawn, dropping the covering, the guns of the battery thundered their salute and the Native Brass Band played the Danish National Anthem. 🎶

Below, are the poignant sentiments shared with those in attendance.

"Very often you will pass this monument and when doing so, turn your faces to this bust of the King.

Look at his noble and fine features, remember his motto, "With God, there is Honor and Justice".

Promise yourselves, that you will also, with the help of our Lord, try in all your life, to do what is honorable and right, that you will also be good, kind and brave, as our dear King was and try to be so like him.

The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

The ceremony closed as the exuberant crowd shouted nine hurrahs for his Majesty. 🇩🇰

Since this day, the King's statue has stood tall despite all the hurricanes that have devastated the Caribbean. In a way, he is still a fatherly protector of these beloved islands.

Rare Souvenir Booklet Found of St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1897

By Valerie Sims

This rare, souvenir booklet of the Danish West Indies is a fabulous find!

It was produced by Mr. Edward Fraas, a portrait artist originally from Denmark. He moved to the Danish West Indies in 1863 and established his photo studio four years later.

Here is an interesting clipping found in the 1897 newspaper about the "new" booklet.

Souvenir Booklet of St. Thomas

"We are indebted to our well known and enterprising townsman; Mr. Edward Fraas, photograph artist, for a copy of a neat collection of views bearing the above appropriate title.

The views are produced as photo-gravures, the originals being executed in Mr. Fraas' atelier here. They are elegantly finished, among them being views of the Town and Harbor, and also the Town alone, taken from different directions and therefore complete.

Besides these splendid views are a number of others such as the Main Street, Government offices, Police Office at the Fort, Post and Telegraphic Offices, Apothecary Hall, the Colonial Bank, the Bank of St. Thomas, Bluebeard's Castle, the Churches and sundry interesting scenes.

As we have said, the views are all neatly produced and those desirous of procuring for themselves or for their friends abroad an acceptable souvenir, cannot do better than secure a copy.

The souvenir booklet can be obtained from Mr. Fraas at 50 cents each."

This remarkable, little collectible sold for $130.00 on ebay today!

Celebrated Fragrance Sold at Simmonds & Co., St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1860s

By Valerie Sims

Celebrated Fragrance makes Simmonds & Co a success in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1850s

Every wonder what the earliest fragrances were that were sold on Main Street, St. Thomas?

Today, some of the more popular perfumes are made by Chanel, Lancome, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Victoria Secret.

However, during the 1850s, when Main Street merchants offered an eclectic array of foreign imports to satisfy the needs of both the working classes and those of high society, there was one fragrance that stood out among all others.

Giovanni Maria Farina. — Giovanni Maria Farina

The citrus based perfume, which was kept behind a beautiful, ornate display case, was one of the earliest perfumes ever made! The family store of Simmonds & Co. became the exclusive agent.

Farina Fragrance

It was called "Eau de Cologne", created by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709. It was internationally known and appreciated in many of the royal houses.

In a letter to his brother, Mr. Farina wrote, "I have discovered a scent that reminds me of an Italian spring morning in Italy, of mountain narcissus and orange blossom just after the rain. It gives me great refreshment, strengthens my senses and imagination."

The famous, French military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte was said to have loved this perfume.

It's still very popular today and sold in 75 different countries. The original factory is the world's oldest perfume factory still in existence.

Simmonds & Co.

Unfortunately, Simmonds & Co. did not enjoy the same success.

In 1859, the company was put into liquidation and in 1876, the owners declared bankruptcy.

With the passing of Mr. Philip Hauer Simmonds, all the store's contents were purchased by private sale and the operations closed its doors.

Today, Pharmacy Mart occupies a portion of this building with Touch of Gold jewelry and Diamond World nearby.

What was once a flourishing establishment with the exclusive license to sell the celebrated perfume, has now become the foundation for a new generation of stores carrying their own signature lines of merchandise.

Eau de Cologne Advertisement ~ 1851

Gift sets and soaps available at amazon.com

The Battle of West Kay Near St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1801

The Battle of West Kay

The Vigilant's Escape

Famous in Danish History

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Collecting Postcards from the Past, Danish West Indies

Postcards from the Past

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Witnessing a Solar Eclipse in the Danish West Indies ~ 1897

Annular Solar Eclipse

The Eclipse ~ St. Thomas

The Eclipse ~ St. Croix

The Eclipse ~ Tortola

Star Gazers

Weather Prophets

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Unveiling of the Bust of King Christian IX in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1909

King Christian the Ninth

The Monument

The Ceremony

The Inscription

Unveiling the Bust

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Rare Souvenir Booklet Found of St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1897

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Celebrated Fragrance Sold at Simmonds & Co., St. Thomas, Danish West Indies ~ 1860s

Simmonds & Co.

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