HMS Valkyrien After rumors of an impending disturbance among the laboring class began to surface, the local government sent a despatch to Denmark for support. They sent the cruiser, HMS Valkyrien with a complement of approximately 230 men. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed warmly with the customary salutes and flags. Finding everything in order, […]
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Taking the Last Danish Census ~ 1911
By Dr. Dante Beretta Census Day The 1st of February 1911, Census Day, was an important day for the town of Charlotte Amalie in the Danish West Indies and a busy day for at least two of my ancestors. Choosing the Census Takers The Danish Police Magistrate appointed two respectable inhabitants for each street who were the census takers for […]
Finding a Few Photographs and Invoices Keeps One Schooner’s History Alive ~ 1920
During the 1920s, the schooner, Zurah was captained by the beloved Samuel Sewer. His vessel was an important link in the inter-island trade. When repairs were needed, she was brought to the Creque Marine Railway. There, her dimensions were recorded as 50 feet in length by 15 feet wide. Selling the Zuhrah In December 1922, the Zuhrah was sold to Mr. Antonio Cesin and Carlos […]
First Carnival Majorette Group! ~ 1952
Did you know that the first Carnival in the history of the Virgin Islands was celebrated in 1912? Donkey races, costumed riders, boat races, and confetti battles took place before the day closed with a monster procession of Chinese lanterns paraded down Main Street. This tradition continued in 1914. However, in 1916 the festivities were more subdued with a costumed Carnival Ball held […]
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Enjoy their Visit to the British Virgin Islands ~ 1977
Queen Elizabeth II visits the British Virgin Islands By Valerie Sims In 1977, my uncle, Ron Walker, photographed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as they arrived on Tortola for a short visit. As a tribute to Her Majesty for her 90th birthday, I made this slideshare presentation of the photographs he took that […]
Find Your Family on this 1918 Passenger List!
During the early twentieth century, sailing vessels were the lifelines for island residents. Below are the stories of some of them and their tragic fates. 📚 1912 – SYRIA 1916 – SPIDER 1920s – EAGLE 1923 – LA GRACIA 1930s – TO WINDWARD 1930s – FANCY ME The Courageous Captain Sewer The Danish sloop, Irma II carried mail, supplies, and passengers as far […]
Discovering One of the Earliest Stories by J. Antonio Jarvis
J. Antonio Jarvis Great discovery!! Here is one of the EARLIEST stories published by J. Antonio Jarvis! He was only fifteen years old in 1917 when this story was published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper. HOW WOLF SAVED TOM by J. Antonio Jarvis Tom was living near the river and he had a pet […]
How a New Name for the Danish West Indies was Chosen ~ 1917
Choosing a New Name Months prior to the official Transfer Day ceremony, a resolution was submitted to the House of Representatives with a recommendation for a new name for the Danish West Indies. They wished to name the islands in honor of Admiral George Dewey. Admiral George Dewey Admiral Dewey was a US Naval officer […]