Can you name the National Flower of the US Virgin Islands? It’s the Yellow Cedar! Sometimes it’s called Ginger Thomas, but its official name is Tecoma Stans. Growing up, we referred to this shrub as the Yellow Trumpetbush because of the shape of the flowers. They formed beautiful clusters like a bouquet. We used to […]
🇺🇸 St. Thomas
Take a Peek Into the Wonderful Workshop of Jim Tillet ~ 1961
Jim Tillet Are you familiar with the unique batik prints created by the artist, Jim Tillet? He made one-of-a-kind batik fabrics that became popular in the 1960s and have become highly collectible now. One browse through an online shop like eBay and you can find some of his pieces that have lasted the test of time. Some […]
Beautiful Market Square Painting by Robert F. Gates ~ 1936
Market Square, US Virgin Islands © Smithsonian American Art Museum I love discovering artwork from the Virgin Islands, especially unique pieces long forgotten! Here are several that were created in 1936 that captured the colorful and whimsical side of St. Thomas. Robert F. Gates During the summer months, Robert F. Gates and several American artists […]
Scenic Tramway Cablecars Were A Popular Attraction ~ 1963
The Tramway Cablecars The Tramway was the Caribbean’s biggest attraction when it opened in the 1960s in St. Thomas. This was one of our favorite places to visit as kids. The dramatic cablecar climbed high above Charlotte Amalie with breathtakingly, beautiful views of the harbor and town below. The higher we went, the smaller everything looked […]
5 Distinctive Features of a Tortola Sloop ~ 1957
Tortola Sloops Did you know that the true origins for the design of the Tortola Sloop are a mystery? According to Professor Edwin Doran’s research, this type of vessel has five distinctive features. ⚓ First, is the absence of a bowsprit. ⚓ Secondly, is the shape of the mainsail. It was called “Leg of Mutton” […]
What Uncle Sam’s New Virgin Islands Are Like ~ 1917
Uncle Sam’s New Virgin Islands Rare glimpses into what the new Virgin Islands was like just after being ceded to the United States can be found in obscure newspapers from time to time. This cool discovery from 1917 was a thrill for me. Shortly after the hurricane of 1916, a newspaper reporter visited the islands. The […]
Rum Swizzles, Island Tours and Shopping Top One Visitors List ~ 1967
Visitors have loved the Virgin Islands since they first started arriving on steamers at the turn of the century. Others arrived by private yacht and anchored in the beautiful bay. Recently, I’ve started collecting postcards from past visitors and sharing their comments and thoughts about their holidays. Some are really quite interesting while others […]
Come Back To The Virgin Isles ~ 1957
Come Back to the Virgin Isles Bill La Motta was one of the most talented pianists, organists, composers and arrangers from the Virgin Islands. He wrote an incredibly popular song called, Come Back to the Virgin Isles. Born in St. Croix on January 13, 1919, his musical talent was recognized at an early age by family members, […]