The St. John July 4th Parade
Celebrations 🎉
Honoring the Anniversary of TRANSFER DAY ~ 1917
Today marks the 108th anniversary of the historic transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States of America. On March 31, 1917, against the backdrop of global uncertainty and mounting fears over Germany’s ambitions, Denmark formally ceded the islands to the United States for $25 million. The strategic move aimed to protect American […]
Could This Be Charles Lindbergh’s Flower Girl? ~ 1928
Family Story: True or Not? Have you ever been told a fascinating story about a member of your family and attempted to verify it, only to be frustrated by what you found or didn’t find? My grandmother shared many intriguing stories throughout my childhood, which in turn, ignited my love for genealogy. Stories about haunted […]
Happy Thanksgiving from the US Virgin Islands!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family, past, and present. ❤ Thanksgiving for Little Joys 1921 Dear God, from my small world of commonplaces, Of homely tasks and dear loved, circling faces, On this day of stubbled fields and steel blue skies, While on the hills Thanksgiving’s mantle lies, I bring to you my garnered treasure store […]
How the Virgin Islands Celebrated Armistice Day ~ 1918
Armistice Day “On that grey, November morning when the news flashed around the world that war had ceased, humanity gave vent to its flood of emotions in a madness of joy that knew no limit. Forgotten for the moment was the toll of lives and property and ideals that had been paid during the four […]
My Emancipated Ancestors by Dr. Dante Beretta
My Emancipated Ancestors By Dr. Dante Beretta On Sunday evening, the 2nd of July 1848, the tutu sounded over western St. Croix. The tutu was a conch shell fashioned into a horn, which gave a clear loud sound that carried over long distances. Historically in the Danish West Indies, the tutu was used […]
Celebrating July 4th St. John Style ~ 1979
St. John July 4th Celebrations Do you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July on St. John? If so, I bet it’s going to be a memorable one, especially after what so many have been through with the recent hurricanes. St. John celebrations have always been special. Here’s a look back at what they were […]
Celebrating Carnival Time in the US Virgin Islands ~ 1978
Carnival Time The first Carnival celebrations in the Virgin Islands were joyous ones! Both were successes in 1912 and 1914 respectfully. When former President Theodore Roosevelt visited the islands in 1916, a Carnival Ball was held in his honor at the Grand Hotel. Thanks to Ron deLugo, a local radio personality, a revival carnival celebration took place […]