Popular Corner Store
I was pleasantly surprised to locate this photograph recently.
It provided the location of one of the most popular, corner stores in St. Thomas.
The corner store belonged to Ludvig Thraen, a native of St. Croix.
Often times, an obituary can tell us so much about a person’s life.
When I came across the story of his life in the newspaper, I learned a little more about the man behind the store.
He was at one time an upholsterer, a bootmaker and a shopkeeper.
No wonder his establishment was favored by so many.
Here’s his obituary found in the 1904 newspaper.
Obituary of Ludvig A. Thraen
“One more of our friends has been removed from us by the inexorable hand of death.
We have the regret to record the demise yesterday of Mr. Ludvig A. Thraen, at the age of 47 years.
The deceased succumbed to an attack of the kidneys which his robust frame had battled against for the past six weeks.
Very Industrious
Mr. Thraen lived here the major part of his life and was a very apt and industrious character, always making experiments, improving his time at the corner store.
He was successful enough to keep a going from one thing to another in spite of all the difficulties which might have disheartened a less energetic personality.
We remember him here very many years ago in the humble occupation of an upholsterer then at bootmaking and shopkeeping for a long spell.
Bay Rum
At one time, he manufactured a good Bay Rum, when only support was wanting to set him firmly in the local and foreign markets.
Lately, he ran the European Cafe with much success and also manufactured aerated drinks from a plant in Lumley.
His internment in the Western Burial Ground takes place this afternoon.
We offer our condolence to the bereaved wife and relatives.♱
Unfortunately, not everyone that passed away had an obituary published in the newspaper, which is why this one is special.
Obituaries provide an invaluable insight into the lives of loved ones.
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