“At St. Thomas, the town is the island and the harbor is the town.” William Gifford Palgrave St. Thomas, with its deep natural harbor and strategic location, has been an important center for shipping and trade for centuries, and its success can be attributed to the many wharves available for easy access. The wharves, in […]
DANISH West Indies
Virgin Islands Transfer Day Ceremony Video ~ 1917
Transfer Day Ceremony ~ 1917
Beautiful Cruz Bay Painting by Andreas Riis Carstensen up for Auction ~ 1903
Cruz Bay Painting A rare coastal watercolor of Cruz Bay, St. John in the US Virgin Islands is up for auction. It’s by the Danish artist, Andreas Riis Carstensen. Carstensen specialized in maritime scenes using bright tropical colors which reflected the natural beauty of his environment. This rare find is signed by Carstensen himself in the […]
The Oldest Inhabitant from St. John Dies ~ 1909
The Obituary of Salome Anthony of the Island of St. John Finding obituaries in the old newspapers is a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Island’s inhabitants. I found Salome Antony’s obituary fascinating. She was reported to be the oldest inhabitant from the island of St. John to pass away. Here are […]
How the Moravian Church in St. John Celebrated their First Harvest Festival ~ 1901
What was a Harvest Festival and how was it celebrated in St. John? A Harvest Festival was an annual get together that celebrated the success of the harvest grown in a given region. It was a time when families displayed their appreciation for the nourishment crops provided. The week was traditionally honored with Church celebrations and family […]
Rare Pissarro Drawing from St. Thomas on Exhibit in London by Dr. Dante Beretta
Rare Pissarro Exhibition Stern Pissarro Gallery in London is hosting an incredible exhibition, “Camille Pissarro: Works from the Gallery Collection”, from November 17 through December 4, 2021. The collection, which includes 45 pieces of his artwork, spans Pissarro’s entire career! Born on the island of St. Thomas in the Danish West Indies, Pissarro (1830-1903) is one of […]
Who was the First Local Band to Play in the Emancipation Garden? ~ 1907
For those who are curious, the first local band to play in the Emancipation Park was the Lionel Robert’s Brass Band. Here is the article that appeared in the St. Thomas Tidende on March 23, 1907. The Lionel Roberts Band “The Lionel Roberts’ Brass Band, composed of some 18 musicians, played in the Emancipation Garden […]
How Hotel Italia in St. Thomas Became a Popular Movie Venue During World War I by Dr. Dante Beretta
Opening Night: Lights, Camera, Action! Light from the half moon shimmered on old Charlotte Amalia harbor. Gentle trade winds cooled patrons gathered in the yard facing the sea. After announcements were made, the crowd was hushed as newly installed electric lamps were switched off. The distinctive click-click-click-click of the 35-mm film feeding through the reel […]