Hi, if you’re looking for more information about Vintage Norman Island: True Treasure Tales, I thought you would find this post interesting. It provides a little more information about the Creque family of the Virgin Islands, properties they once owned, and dates for the book launch.
New Book: Vintage Norman Island: True Treasure Tales
“Not often can one trace their family lineage back ten generations in the British Virgin Islands with the names of each ancestor and the lands they once owned, but that is what Valerie Sims has accomplished!
She published her findings in a new book about her family’s history in March 2023.
Her earliest ancestor, Francois Crequi Esquire, once resided on Great Mountain on Virgin Gorda.
In 1727, he was the Lieutenant Governor of the island.
According to her extensive research, the Creque family has been in the British Virgin Islands since the 1690s.
Since then, members of the family have migrated to Anegada and the US Islands of St. Thomas and St. John.
Islands Once Owned by the Creque Family
The Creque’s once owned a number of islands including Norman Island, Prickly Pear Island, Great Dog Island, John George’s Dog Island, and 150 acres in Great Harbour, otherwise known as the Peter Island Bight.
They also owned several islands in the US Virgin Islands, including Little Saint James Island, Mingo Cay, and 11 acres of Hassel Island where the Creque Marine Railway once flourished.
Valerie began researching the history of Norman Island in 1989, after reading the forward to a reprint of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island written by the local author, Jill Tattersall.
The book was a Christmas gift to her from her stepfather, Charles C. Selby.
The Legend of Norman Island
The fascinating story spoke to The Legend of Norman Island whereby a necklace of golden doubloons was given to every bride that married into the Creque family.
Valerie’s great-great-grandfather purchased Norman Island in 1896, and ever since, rumours have circulated that he found his wealth in one of the caves.
Henry Osmond Creque (1858-1915) stayed silent and never acknowledged the rumours.
In 1917, his secret was exposed to the world when a visiting American author published his book, “Alone in the Caribbean”.
Frederic A. Fenger didn’t identify Creque by name but gave his profession, a description of what he looked like, and the fact that he was the owner of Norman Island leaving little doubt about who he was referring to.
Valerie Sims’ New Book
Valerie’s new family memoir is entitled, Vintage Norman Island: True Tales about a Real Treasure Island with Pirates and Buried Treasure.
This is her second historical memoir after Vintage St. John: Discover St. John’s History Through Seven Generations of Heartfelt Stories.
The Kindle edition of her new publication on Amazon is currently sitting at #1 in History of the Caribbean and West Indies in new releases.
Her book not only delves into the island’s past but also documents the various treasures that have been unearthed and includes actual photographs of some of those finds!
In addition to sharing her family’s history and the secrets of Norman Island, Valerie hopes to inspire others to explore their own family roots and uncover the hidden stories of their ancestors.
Her passion for history and genealogy has led her on a journey of discovery that has enriched her life and brought her closer to her family’s past in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
Book Signing Events
Valerie is excited to be hosting several book signing events to celebrate the launching of her new book.
They take place on:
- ST. JOHN – April 15, 2023, at Bajo El Sol Gallery at 4 pm to 7 pm
- ST. THOMAS – April 18, 2023, at the Pirate Treasure Museum, at 10am
- TORTOLA – April 20, 2023, at the Tortola Sports Club at 5:30 pm
- CORAL BAY, St. John – April 30, 2023, at Pirate’s Cove, FlyAway Charters at 3 pm.
She has put together a video presentation and will provide free pirate-themed giveaways with purchase while supplies last.
For those who can’t make it, signed copies are available at valeriesims.info/norman as well as at several local shops and bookstores throughout the islands.
Valerie and her husband, David built and operated the Billy Bones Beach Bar and Grill on Norman Island in 1997 and some of those entertaining stories are included in the book.
She hopes that you will join her to learn a little more about an uninhabited island that has been plagued by piracy for hundreds of years. 🏴☠️
After all, the island is believed to be the inspiration behind Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island.
Come out to one of her book launching parties and pick up a signed copy! 🖋
True Treasure Tales takes readers on a journey through all the known discoveries of pirate treasure that have ever been documented on Norman Island with over 150 old photographs!”
