It was the occasion of the visit of the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of War.
The reception was simple and sincere.
The people of St. Thomas attempted to be at home with the President, to enable him to see the islands and the people as they are.
President Herbert Hoover in the Virgin Islands with Governor Paul M. Pearson at his left, Ray Lyman Wilbur and local editor, Leroy Nolte
Limited Decorations
There were no decorations of the conventional sort, and no effort to outdo another city.
As one committee member said, “New York can buy more bunting than we can.”
On their own, Virgin Islanders used beautiful arches to decorate doors and windows.
They were made of palm branches and flowering vines.
As the President came ashore, there were two long lines of decorated fishing boats, through which his barge passed.
Reception Line
For their reception, the people passed in review before the President and his official party showing their characteristic market women with trays of fruits or vegetables balanced on their heads.
Also displayed were the burdened donkeys with attendant boys delivering milk or carrying grass and charcoal to market; floats exhibiting bay rum or other local product and showing the cane-cutting process and similar displays.
There were “scratch” bands, and Maypole dancing by a thousand school children.
These and much more made a colorful display and enabled the President to see the life and customs of the people.
Luncheon
The official luncheon reception to leading citizens and members of the Colonial councils, and conferences with representatives of various organizations filled a memorable day for all the people of the island.
The islanders considered it particularly fortunate that the Secretary of the Interior accompanied the President on this visit.
Courtesy: Ray Lyman Wilbur Family Photo
The many people who met Ray Lyman Wilbur came to know that in him they had an understanding man to cooperate in the affairs of the islands.”
