Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Celebrations
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The Popularity of Snipe Boat Racing ~ 1936
During the 1930s, Snipe boat racing was an exciting sport in the islands! Snipe Boats The first Snipe boat was designed […]
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 […]
How Harvest Festival was Celebrated in Tortola ~ 1912
Harvest Festival celebrations were an integral part of life in the British Virgin Islands! It was a time when families appreciated […]
How the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Was Formed ~ 1914
The Bethany Mission House was the site of many important meetings in the history of the Danish West Indies. On January 20, […]
The Arrival of an Airship! ~ 1925
In 1925, one of the most remarkable events occurred in the history of the Virgin Islands. An incredible […]
How a Welterweight Champion Won His Title ~ 1932
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
How ALL SOUL’S DAY Was Honored ~ 1930s
Generations of our family were raised in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Thomas. Every year, […]
The Yacht, FLIGHT Takes Party-Goers to Tortola ~ 1946
For many years members of our family enjoyed the annual August festival in Tortola! Here is an excerpt of an article written by W. […]
