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, […]
Celebrations 🎉
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 […]
How Graduation Celebrations at Lindbergh Bay Became the Best Memories ~ 1953
I smile every time I see this photograph of my mother and her friends!😊 As teenagers, she and her closest cousins loved the beach! Lindbergh Bay, Magens Bay, and Lindquist Beach were their favorites! This photo, with Sister Grace Imelda, was taken at a beach party for the celebrating graduates of Sts. Peter & Paul High School. Graduation […]
The Popularity of Snipe Boat Racing ~ 1936
During the 1930s, Snipe boat racing was an exciting sport in the islands! Snipe Boats The first Snipe boat was designed in 1931 and became a popular racing class with fleets around the world. In 1935, an International Snipe Class Association was organized in St. Thomas. Shipwright, Willie Lewis built the first few boats. When he launched […]
Thousands Greeted President Franklin D. Roosevelt On His Virgin Islands Visit ~ 1934
From L to R: Honorable Herman O. Creque, representing St. John (great-grandfather), Unknown Council member, Honorable Herbert E. Lockhart, Unknown Council member, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mrs. Edna Pearson, the Governor’s wife & Franklin Roosevelt Jr. Copyrighted photo © 2016 Valerie Sims. All Rights Reserved. Franklin D. Roosevelt The summer of 1934 was one of […]
How Harvest Festival was Celebrated in Tortola ~ 1912
Harvest Festival celebrations were an integral part of life in the British Virgin Islands! It was a time when families appreciated the crops grown and the nourishment they provided. The week was traditionally honored with Church celebrations and family festivities. Decorating the Church On November 20, 1912, St. George’s Anglican Church celebrated the Harvest festival with a Thanksgiving Service. According to […]
How the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Was Formed ~ 1914
The Bethany Mission House was the site of many important meetings in the history of the Danish West Indies. On January 20, 1914, the very first meeting took place for the purpose of establishing a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Kindness to Animals “The attendance was large and the proceedings interesting with many prominent citizens present. Seated in […]