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 […]
🇺🇸 St. Thomas
Thrilling Experience Touring A German Cruiser ~ 1932
The Karlsruhe was launched in 1927 and carried 635 men including 30 officers. Photo Source: U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command. Touring the historic cruiser, Karlsruhe was a thrill for many in the Virgin Islands! Our family was fortunate to have had a look inside the Malakka in 1914 and the Horst Wessel in 1938, among others. But in October […]
Celebrating July 4th ~ 1930s
July 4th is the most significant day in the history of America!🇺🇸 Colonists from thirteen states, having outlined their list of grievances as to why they no longer wished to remain under King George III’s suppressive rule, created a new allegiance to form the United States of America. On this day in 1776, Congress officially approved the final text of […]
A Visit by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark ~ 1976
Queen Margrethe II Queen Margrethe II and her family’s visit to the islands was a monumental event for many! I remember her arrival which was on May 28, 1976. The Queen was the first ruling monarch of Denmark to visit the islands stopping at St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Everyone was excited to extend a hearty welcome to them! […]
What College Friends Believed About the US Virgin Islands ~ 1950s
Off to College In 1953, our mother and her sister graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School. Both were the receiver of awards at their graduation ceremony. 🎖 Anxious and excited after the summer holiday, they looked forward to attending college in upstate New York together. Samiri Creque, a close relative, owned her […]
Dedicating the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Park ~ 1945
Dedicating the Roosevelt Memorial Park Years ago, the Coconut Grove Park was the location of many agricultural fairs, celebrations and even the location for the circus when it came to town. Now, hundreds gathered to celebrate I am an American Day and rededicate the park to the former President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The date was […]
How the Catholic Community Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Redemptorists’ Fathers ~ 1958
From Rt to Lt, Sister Cecelia (Kindergarten teacher, Sister Maria Rose, 1st-grade teacher, Sister Anita Agnes. Far left is Sister Frances Maureen, 2nd from left is Sister Maria Agnes and 3rd from left is Sister Marita. Photo © 1958 Ed Hagan The Catholic Community On May 12, 1958, the Catholic community celebrated its 100th anniversary of the arrival […]
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 […]