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! […]
US Virgin Islands
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 […]
Finding a Few Photographs and Invoices Keeps One Schooner’s History Alive ~ 1920
During the 1920s, the schooner, Zurah was captained by the beloved Samuel Sewer. His vessel was an important link in the inter-island trade. When repairs were needed, she was brought to the Creque Marine Railway. There, her dimensions were recorded as 50 feet in length by 15 feet wide. Selling the Zuhrah In December 1922, the Zuhrah was sold to Mr. Antonio Cesin and Carlos […]
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 […]
Find Your Family on this 1918 Passenger List!
During the early twentieth century, sailing vessels were the lifelines for island residents. Below are the stories of some of them and their tragic fates. 📚 1912 – SYRIA 1916 – SPIDER 1920s – EAGLE 1923 – LA GRACIA 1930s – TO WINDWARD 1930s – FANCY ME The Courageous Captain Sewer The Danish sloop, Irma II carried mail, supplies, and passengers as far […]
How One Woman Opened the Doorway for Commercial Flights to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1930s
At a time when women became teachers, nurses, and housewives, Clara Livingston became an aviatrix! ✈ As a young girl, Clara fell in love with flying. When she inherited her family’s beachside property in Puerto Rico, she converted a portion into a landing strip. Flying to St. Thomas & St. Croix In 1931, she purchased a Rearwin biplane, […]