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 […]
Dignitaries
How a Family Historian Discovered Where Hugo Larsen Painted One of His Masterpieces ~ 1905
By Dr. Dante Beretta A little over 100 years ago, a talented young Danish artist named Hugo Larsen, visited the Danish West Indies. During his three year sojourn in the West Indies, he spent the majority of his time on the island of St. Thomas, creating many drawings and paintings. My favorite Hugo Larsen is […]
Honoring Alexander Hamilton’s Birthday
#OnThisDay At 17 years of age, Alexander Hamilton wrote a captivating letter to his father about a devastating hurricane that destroyed much of St. Croix in 1772. Once published, it changed the course of his life and history forever. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Alexander Hamilton. 🎈 SaveSave SaveSave Discover 6 Important Quotes […]
A Visit from the Pan American Goodwill Flyers ~ 1934
As I was flipping through an old family album, this photograph of an African-American man wearing a captain’s hat and a dark blazer caught my eye. The children seemed enamored with him and I wondered who this mysterious captain could be? As I turned the photograph over, hoping to find my answer, I was disappointed. Nothing was written on […]
The Landing of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt in St. Croix ~ 1916
Governor Lars Christian Helweg-Larsen on left stands next to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt (wearing a suit of dark grey tweed) and Mr. R.L. Merwin with distinguished guests in the rear. Photo Source: Digital Collection at the University of the Virgin Islands. Used with permission. Theodore Roosevelt Valentine’s Day was extra exciting for residents of St. Thomas and […]
How One Brave Captain Touched the Hearts of Many As He Sailed Around the World ~ 1932
alt=”Sailing around the world! Captain Harry Pidgeon of the ISLANDER visits St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands ~ 1937 By Valerie Sims” width=”638″ height=”536″ /> Do you love old photographs? I’m fascinated by them and have spent a lifetime trying to figure out who was who in my ancestor’s albums. I was intrigued by this photograph […]
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 […]
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 […]