Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Happy Thanksgiving from the US Virgin Islands!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family, past, and present. ❤ Thanksgiving for Little Joys 1921 Dear God, from my small world of commonplaces, Of homely tasks and dear loved, circling faces, On this day of stubbled fields and steel blue skies, While on the hills Thanksgiving’s mantle lies, I bring to you my garnered treasure store […]
New Book! ~ Runaway Virgins by Enrique Corneiro
Runaway Virgins I recently purchased this brand new book entitled, Runaway Virgins by Enrique Corneiro. It is incredibly moving! Enrique shared over 250 slavery-related advertisements that he curated from the old Danish newspapers to help shine a light on what life was like for the enslaved people of the Danish West Indies, now the US Virgin Islands. More than 300 specific […]
How the Virgin Islands Celebrated Armistice Day ~ 1918
Armistice Day “On that grey, November morning when the news flashed around the world that war had ceased, humanity gave vent to its flood of emotions in a madness of joy that knew no limit. Forgotten for the moment was the toll of lives and property and ideals that had been paid during the four […]
The Mystery of the Missing Crew in Anegada ~ 1921
Ocean Mysteries Tales of finding floating ships with sails fully set and no one on board have added to the bewildering mysteries of the sea. Interestingly, they are not as rare as one would imagine. The Marie Celeste A classic instance, of course, was that of the American merchant ship, Mary Celeste. In 1872, this well-manned […]
Old Photographs and Music Bring Virgin Islands History to Life
The Virgin Islands in Old Photographs This is a wonderful video posted by Etienne A. Gibbs with old photographs collected by Ronnie Lockhart. Thank you to both for keeping the island’s history at the forefront! The steel band music of “Mr. Walker” is a calypso song made famous by the Mighty Sparrow. ~ Etienne A. […]
The New Virgin Isle Hotel ~ 1950
The Virgin Isle Hotel In 1950, when the Virgin Isle Hotel opened for the first time, it was the talk of the town. Designed by Jac Lessman, it’s architectural and interior decorations were unique to the island. First guests to the $100/day Presidential suites came from Puerto Rico. They were so delighted by the sweeping […]
Who Was David Hamilton Jackson?
D. Hamilton Jackson D. Hamilton Jackson was an important figure in the struggle for increased civil rights and worker’s rights in the Danish West Indies. When the islands were under Danish rule, Jackson traveled to Denmark to petition for better living conditions for the working class. He specifically addressed the issues of: 🗞 Lowering the […]
Creque’s Alley and the Famous Folk Band, The Mamas and the Papas
The History of Creque’s Alley Did you know that Creque’s Alley was named for the Main Street merchant, Henry O. Creque? When he purchased the three warehouse buildings and alleyways in 1905, his name became synonymous with the location. Mr. Creque was somewhat of a celebrity himself when he reputedly found treasure in the caves at […]
Why Are The Paintings By Ira Harrington Smith So Popular?
Ira Harrington Smith Have you heard of the artist, Ira Harrington Smith? Ira was a very talented painter whose prized works were extremely popular in St. Thomas. Originally from New Jersey, he moved to the islands and began painting colorful scenes of everyday life. His works featured on the cover of many magazines including the […]
Can You Name the National Flower of the US Virgin Islands?
Can you name the National Flower of the US Virgin Islands? It’s the Yellow Cedar! Sometimes it’s called Ginger Thomas, but its official name is Tecoma Stans. Growing up, we referred to this shrub as the Yellow Trumpetbush because of the shape of the flowers. They formed beautiful clusters like a bouquet. We used to […]