Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
See the Greatest Show on Earth! ~ 1835
Did you know that the circus came to St. Thomas? Not just once, but many times! However, this show was the first time an elephant was a part of the production! On a cool, Friday evening in December 1835, a fully grown female elephant descended down the ramp of a visiting steamer at the wharf. […]
Historic Home Houses Public Library ~ 1790
The Sprauve Public Library is located in one of the oldest buildings that has survived the ravages of time including Hurricanes Irma and Maria. ⚡ History of Home According to a map drawn in 1790 by Peter Oxholm, John Wood was the earliest recorded owner. Although no specific documentation exists, it is believed that the […]
Through The Sands of Time Book by Judah M. Cohen
In just a few days, a new documentary about the living history of the oldest Synagogue will be unveiled in St. Thomas. It’s exiting news! The premier begins on March 3rd at Antilles School at 7pm. Visit SandOnTheFloor.com for more information. This book also shares the incredible history of the Jewish Community. Below is an […]
Beautiful Prints of the US Virgin Islands by Leo S. Carty
Leo S. Carty I love Leo Carty’s paintings of the Virgin Islands! 🎨 They’re beautiful! Don’t you think? His scenes of daily life seem so pure, kids playing at the seashore, women washing clothes, families spending time together. Many of Carty’s paintings depict life during the turn of the 20th century, despite the fact that […]
The Limbo Dance, Too Hot to Handle ~ 1962
I love eBay for all the fascinating collectibles one can find on the history of the Virgin Islands. 🔥 Here’s an interesting postcard advertisement about the Limbo dance and one of the sponsors, Canadian Club. The Limbo Dance “When the Limbo originated in the jungles of Africa, it was used as a test of manhood,” […]
Pretty Seascape Beach Painting by Eljay Torgar Available
Eljay Torgar There’s a pretty watercolor painting of a beach scene in St. Thomas up for sale on eBay. 🖼 The asking price is $650.00. Eljay and her husband, Mark lived in St. Thomas and spent years lecturing for cruise ship lines on travel photography and the arts. At one time, Eljay hosted a CBS […]
Ann True Story Book by Flordelisa Mota
The author and I share a love of BVI history! While I am still researching my family’s lives in Anegada, Flordelisa Mota has written about hers in this book. Below is an amazon review. Ann True Story They were driven on by wind and tide. Ann is about a journey of a Christian mother and […]
10 Books David Hamilton Jackson Recommended You Read ~ 1916
David Hamilton Jackson David Hamilton Jackson was a staunch labor-rights activist and educator from St. Croix. He felt strongly about “uplifting the colored population” in the Virgin Islands and represented many of the laborers during the 1915 labor strike, fighting hard for higher pay. As a lawyer and newspaper publisher, he lobbied for US citizenship for […]
Who is the True Artist Behind this St. Croix Carnival Painting?
St. Croix Carnival Masqueraders I love finding pretty paintings of the Virgin Islands, whether at an art show, auction or online. The Artist, Walt Dehner Walt Dehner was a North American artist whose paintings have been described as “having a soul“. His use of “color, light, and movement” distinguished him among other artists. As you can […]
Rare Conch Pearls Found! ~ 1906
Conch Pearls Have you ever had Conch Fritters or Stewed Conch? They are delicious specialties found in the Caribbean and thoroughly enjoyed in the Virgin Islands! Done right, they’re scrumptious! We used to make Conch Fritters from scratch at our restaurant, Billy Bones on Norman Island. Folks just loved them, especially with a light […]