Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Take a Peek Into the Wonderful Workshop of Jim Tillet ~ 1961
Jim Tillet Are you familiar with the unique batik prints created by the artist, Jim Tillet? He made one-of-a-kind batik fabrics that became popular in the 1960s and have become highly collectible now. One browse through an online shop like eBay and you can find some of his pieces that have lasted the test of time. Some […]
Beautiful Market Square Painting by Robert F. Gates ~ 1936
Market Square, US Virgin Islands © Smithsonian American Art Museum I love discovering artwork from the Virgin Islands, especially unique pieces long forgotten! Here are several that were created in 1936 that captured the colorful and whimsical side of St. Thomas. Robert F. Gates During the summer months, Robert F. Gates and several American artists […]
Scenic Tramway Cablecars Were A Popular Attraction ~ 1963
The Tramway Cablecars The Tramway was the Caribbean’s biggest attraction when it opened in the 1960s in St. Thomas. This was one of our favorite places to visit as kids. The dramatic cablecar climbed high above Charlotte Amalie with breathtakingly, beautiful views of the harbor and town below. The higher we went, the smaller everything looked […]
Deadman’s Chest is a Real Location in the British Virgins ~ 1923
Have you read Stevenson’s Treasure Island? It’s one of my favorite books! I’m a bit partial having spent so much time on Norman Island, but I enjoy hunting for buried treasure. Now, instead of hunting on land, I hunt in libraries looking for stories about the Virgin Islands. Here’s an interesting one I found about […]
Celebrating July 4th St. John Style ~ 1979
St. John July 4th Celebrations Do you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July on St. John? If so, I bet it’s going to be a memorable one, especially after what so many have been through with the recent hurricanes. St. John celebrations have always been special. Here’s a look back at what they were […]
5 Distinctive Features of a Tortola Sloop ~ 1957
Tortola Sloops Did you know that the true origins for the design of the Tortola Sloop are a mystery? According to Professor Edwin Doran’s research, this type of vessel has five distinctive features. ⚓ First, is the absence of a bowsprit. ⚓ Secondly, is the shape of the mainsail. It was called “Leg of Mutton” […]
What Uncle Sam’s New Virgin Islands Are Like ~ 1917
Uncle Sam’s New Virgin Islands Rare glimpses into what the new Virgin Islands was like just after being ceded to the United States can be found in obscure newspapers from time to time. This cool discovery from 1917 was a thrill for me. Shortly after the hurricane of 1916, a newspaper reporter visited the islands. The […]
Rum Swizzles, Island Tours and Shopping Top One Visitors List ~ 1967
Visitors have loved the Virgin Islands since they first started arriving on steamers at the turn of the century. Others arrived by private yacht and anchored in the beautiful bay. Recently, I’ve started collecting postcards from past visitors and sharing their comments and thoughts about their holidays. Some are really quite interesting while others […]
Amazing Harbor Painting of St. Thomas by Carl Ludwig Bille Up For Auction ~ 1868
Danish West Indies ~ Paintings Beautiful paintings of the Danish West Indies are rare, but they do come up for auction every once in a while. As soon as they’re discovered, I share them here on the blog for you. You may remember some of these artists that I’ve featured. Paintings by Larry Gluck Charles […]
Newly Discovered Camille Pissarro Painting Up For Auction!
Portrait of a Boy 1852 – 1855 This rare painting is an incredible find! It is a Camille Pissarro painting, truly a one of a kind original by the famed impressionist. It’s been examined first hand by the Wildenstein Institute and authenticated. Camille Pissarro Camille Pissarro was born on the island of St. Thomas in […]