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 […]
🇺🇸 St. Thomas
Douglas Fairbanks Sr and Lady Ashley Attract the Crowds! ~ 1935
Would you believe this photograph was only an inch wide by an inch and a half in height? 👀 I found several of these miniature photos in our family’s photo album and couldn’t imagine who they might be. Our ancestors documented many events in the history of the Virgin Islands, so I knew, with a little digging, […]
Rare Swallow Stick Found at Magens Bay! ~ 1917
In 1917, Captain Theodore De Booy made an incredible discovery in the US Virgin Islands. Discovery of Rare Swallow Stick While excavating at a site at Magens Bay on St. Thomas, he uncovered a rare Swallow Stick. It was thought to be used by West Indian priests in worship ceremonies. The find was estimated to be about 500 to 800 years […]
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 […]
The Most Beautiful Ship in the World Visits St. Thomas ~ 1938
When I first saw this faded photograph of an ocean liner, I thought I would never know her identity. 📷 Like most of the photographs in our ancestors albums, nothing was written on the back of the picture. As I looked closely, I realized that the ship wasn’t anchored inside the Charlotte Amalie harbor, but rather, behind Hassel Island,where all the oversized […]