How Memorial Day was Honored May 30, 1935 Memorial Day was a solemn holiday recognized as a day of remembrance, similar to All Soul’s Day. It was a day to honor those that had passed on, specifically, fallen soldiers who died while serving in the military. Hundreds of Virgin Islanders joined together to participate in the […]
US Virgin Islands
Beautiful Sketches Found by Artist, Margaret Casey Gates ~ 1936
Margaret Casey Gates Casey’s Sketchbook Discovered in a faded black notebook at the Archives of American Art in Washington DC are a handful of unfinished sketches and watercolors, never before seen of the US Virgin Islands. They were sketched by an American artist, Margaret Casey Gates. Mrs. Gates was a painter and art teacher originally […]
The Importance of Tortola Wharf ~ 1948
Tortola Wharf The St. Thomas waterfront has always been the hub of activity with the landing of Tortola boats and produce. ~ 1948 Here, a woman sits among strewn coconut shells and cases of Quaker Oats and Pet milk waiting to be shipped. Since the early 1900s, this wharf is where all the produce and […]
Meet the New Carnival King and Queen ~ 1957
Carnival may be a fond memory now, but seeing vintage photographs of past Carnival Kings and Queens is still very exciting! Here’s a wonderful photo of King Raphael (Lito) Valls and Queen Melba Canegata of St. Croix after being crowned for the 1957 Carnival. 👑 The ceremonies took place at the Territorial Senate building. Queen […]
Police Week Honored in the Virgin Islands
In honor of #PoliceWeek, I’m sharing some old photographs taken when our grandfather was the Commissioner of Public Safety ~ 1956 Note: Sgt. A. Brown was from St. John (ST. CROIX: Sgt. C.M. Plaskett, Sgt. E. Thomas, Sgt. A. Davis, Sgt. A. Richards, Sgt. Bailey) (ST. THOMAS: Sgt. N. Aubain, Sgt. R. Dunlop, Sgt. G. […]
How Greek Mythology Influenced Our Ancestor’s Passions ~ 1918
Family Heirlooms Have you ever wondered about the history behind your family’s heirlooms? I was always an inquisitive child, constantly questioning my grandmother about her priceless treasures. Her parent’s home was filled with timeless, historic pieces. If given the opportunity, she would have told you all about their intriguing past. Most of them travelled hundreds of miles by sea in […]
Rare Photograph Found of St. John School Children ~ 1930s
St. Johnians, do you recognize these school children in this vintage photograph? Could they be your family members? In 1933, Civil Engineer, Estus H. Magoon visited the East End Moravian School and snapped this photograph of the students including the teacher and a member of the school board. SaveSave SaveSave
Remarks President Herbert Hoover Made About His Visit ~ 1931
Herbert Clark Hoover was the first sitting US President in Virgin Islands history to visit the islands ~ 1931. Thousands came out to greet him! Governor Pearson, having only arrived himself about ten days prior, welcomed him and took him on a tour of all the scenic locations in St. Thomas. Later, he visited with Colonial […]