Did you know that the circus came to St. Thomas? Not just once, but many times! However, this show was the first time an elephant was a part of the production! On a cool, Friday evening in December 1835, a fully grown female elephant descended down the ramp of a visiting steamer at the wharf. […]
Celebrations 🎉
Unveiling the Bust of King Christian IX ~ 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 For many, King Christian was the most beloved Danish […]
Dedicating the New Catholic Church in Cruz Bay ~ 1963
Our Lady of Mount Carmel This chapel has been our family’s favorite place of worship for a very long time. My husband and I were married here and relatives have had their children baptized. Since its opening, its been renovated to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the island during the high season. […]
The First Performance of the Adams Juvenile Band ~ 1910
Adams Juvenile Band ON THIS DAY in 1910, the Adams Juvenile Band gave their first performance! 🎷🥁🎺 It took place at the All Saint’s Parish Hall, which was “crowded with enthusiastic listeners.” Here is an article from the newspaper published in 1911. The Concert Eighteen boys, playing mostly brass instruments acquitted themselves in a manner that won the admiration […]
Meet the New Carnival King and Queen ~ 1957
Carnival may be a fond memory now, but seeing vintage photographs of past Carnival Kings and Queens is still very exciting! Here’s a wonderful photo of King Raphael (Lito) Valls and Queen Melba Canegata of St. Croix after being crowned for the 1957 Carnival. 👑 The ceremonies took place at the Territorial Senate building. Queen […]
Remarks President Herbert Hoover Made About His Visit ~ 1931
Herbert Clark Hoover was the first sitting US President in Virgin Islands history to visit the islands ~ 1931. Thousands came out to greet him! Governor Pearson, having only arrived himself about ten days prior, welcomed him and took him on a tour of all the scenic locations in St. Thomas. Later, he visited with Colonial […]
Celebrating Three King’s Day ~ 1910
Three King’s Day had the reputation of being the happiest of the holiday seasons! It was a half-holiday that started at noon, but the partying usually went from morning to evening. The Meaning of Three King’s Day For many Christians, the holiday season didn’t officially end until the 12th day of Christmas, known as the Feast of the […]
How A World Record Blue Marlin Was Caught ~ 1977
Blue marlin tournaments became very popular in St. Thomas after John Battles set an all-tackle world record in 1964. He landed an 814-pound Blue marlin, which enticed anglers from all over the world to try their luck in VI waters.🎣 Blue Marlin World Record On Aug 6, 1977, another world record was set! Larry Martin from […]