In 1925, one of the most remarkable events occurred in the history of the Virgin Islands. An incredible airship flew over the harbor of St. Thomas for the very first time! Commander Captain George W. Steel Jr. received a special request from Governor Phillip Williams. The governor wanted Captain Steel to […]
Celebrations 🎉
How a Welterweight Champion Won His Title ~ 1932
During the 1930s, supporting the welterweight champion was big entertainment in the US Virgin Islands. While researching an old family photo of a boxer I believe to be El Matahombre, I found over forty articles about the sport. El Matahombre’s real name was Carlos Christian. He was known as the Man Killer. Originally from Puerto Rico and trained by the great Esau Stephens, he moved to […]
The Inauguration of the FIRST Civilian Governor ~ 1931
Photo: G.T. Small On March 18, 1931, anticipation grew to new heights as a record crowd of 7,000 residents gathered at the Emancipation Park! They came together to witness the inauguration of the first Civilian Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Dr. Paul M. Pearson. Our great-grandmother and her family brought their parasols and joined the crowds for this historic moment.☂ A […]
Duke and Duchess of Kent Visit St. Thomas! ~ 1935
Did you know that the first British Royal to visit the Virgin Islands, formerly known as the Danish West Indies, was Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Albert? 👑 When he arrived, hundreds of excited citizens gathered on the wharf to greet him! Nearly seventy-five years later, another British Royal would attract just as much attention. 🇬🇧 A […]
CONSTITUTION DAY Celebrated! ~ 1937
On September 17, 1937, Constitution Day was celebrated in the US Virgin Islands! The signing of the Declaration of Independence as one of the most important holidays in US history. The day was honored with music, parades and a full schedule of sporting festivities. Constitution Day The Church bells rang at sunrise, the trumpets blared and those with vehicles tooted their horns. […]
Louise Stallings Performs For Those Less Fortunate ~ 1932
Governor Paul M. Pearson was a great supporter of the arts! In 1932, he invited Miss Louise Stallings, a young American soprano to perform. She arrived on August 9, 1932, with her accompanist, Mr. Helfenbein to give a series of concerts similar to her programs given in New York City. Stalling’s Performance She engaged the audience at the Community […]
How ALL SOUL’S DAY Was Honored ~ 1930s
Generations of our family were raised in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Thomas. Every year, we followed the traditions of the Catholic faith, celebrating and commemorating the religious doctrine. All Soul’s Day All Soul’s Day, celebrated on November 2nd, was a day of prayer and was honored with a pilgrimage to the […]
The Yacht, FLIGHT Takes Party-Goers to Tortola ~ 1946
For many years members of our family enjoyed the annual August festival in Tortola! Here is an excerpt of an article written by W. Evelyn Pickering. It appeared in the August 17, 1946, VI Daily News. Below the article is a link to the kind of music played by band, Conjuncto Tropical. Can you imagine the party-goers dancing to this and the […]