Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Happy National Maritime Day
The maritime history of the Virgin Islands is fascinating! ⛵ For stories about some of the historic vessels that sailed our seas visit the Creque Marine Railway page. It’s a great way to honor National Maritime Day. ⚓ SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
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 […]
How Strength and Perseverance Gave Coal Carriers a Memorable Legacy
Women have been supporting their families since the beginning of time with incredible sacrifices. Under the Danish flag, they earned a small stipend as seamstresses, laundresses, market sellers, and straw weavers. However, there was one enterprise that exhausted their mental and physical strength above all others! As ships from every nation stopped in St. Thomas to […]
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. […]
The Thrills and Dangers of Animal-Driven Carts ~ 1906
Before automated vehicles commanded the streets, horse carts, donkey carts, oxen and mule carts filled the narrow, dusty roadways delivering much-needed supplies. Types of Carts There was the milk cart, water cart, sugar cart and more, each with a designated function. Because of the sometimes erratic behavior of the animals, there was more than a fair […]
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
Past Postcards from the British Virgin Islands ~ 1902
Those were the days when all you needed was the name of the addressee and the island to send postcards. 📩 This one was sent to Captain Arthur Titley. The old newspapers often referred to him as the “genial and popular Admiral of the Tortola fleet.” ⚓ SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
Vintage View of Main Street ~ 1922
Here’s a vintage view of Main Street, St. Thomas ~ 1922. This image was taken the same year the USS Savannah and all her submarine tenders were in the harbor. Rear Admiral, Sumner Kittelle was leaving office and a new governor, Captain Henry Hough was taking his oath. The island’s transfer from the Danish West Indies […]