Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
A Visit by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark ~ 1976
Queen Margrethe II Queen Margrethe II and her family’s visit to the islands was a monumental event for many! I remember her arrival which was on May 28, 1976. The Queen was the first ruling monarch of Denmark to visit the islands stopping at St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Everyone was excited to extend a hearty welcome to them! […]
What College Friends Believed About the US Virgin Islands ~ 1950s
Off to College In 1953, our mother and her sister graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School. Both were the receiver of awards at their graduation ceremony. 🎖 Anxious and excited after the summer holiday, they looked forward to attending college in upstate New York together. Samiri Creque, a close relative, owned her […]
Dedicating the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Park ~ 1945
Dedicating the Roosevelt Memorial Park Years ago, the Coconut Grove Park was the location of many agricultural fairs, celebrations and even the location for the circus when it came to town. Now, hundreds gathered to celebrate I am an American Day and rededicate the park to the former President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The date was […]
How the Catholic Community Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Redemptorists’ Fathers ~ 1958
From Rt to Lt, Sister Cecelia (Kindergarten teacher, Sister Maria Rose, 1st-grade teacher, Sister Anita Agnes. Far left is Sister Frances Maureen, 2nd from left is Sister Maria Agnes and 3rd from left is Sister Marita. Photo © 1958 Ed Hagan The Catholic Community On May 12, 1958, the Catholic community celebrated its 100th anniversary of the arrival […]
How the VALKYRIEN’S Band Honored Their Commander ~ 1916
HMS Valkyrien After rumors of an impending disturbance among the laboring class began to surface, the local government sent a despatch to Denmark for support. They sent the cruiser, HMS Valkyrien with a complement of approximately 230 men. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed warmly with the customary salutes and flags. Finding everything in order, […]
Finding a Few Photographs and Invoices Keeps One Schooner’s History Alive ~ 1920
During the 1920s, the schooner, Zurah was captained by the beloved Samuel Sewer. His vessel was an important link in the inter-island trade. When repairs were needed, she was brought to the Creque Marine Railway. There, her dimensions were recorded as 50 feet in length by 15 feet wide. Selling the Zuhrah In December 1922, the Zuhrah was sold to Mr. Antonio Cesin and Carlos […]
First Carnival Majorette Group! ~ 1952
Did you know that the first Carnival in the history of the Virgin Islands was celebrated in 1912? Donkey races, costumed riders, boat races, and confetti battles took place before the day closed with a monster procession of Chinese lanterns paraded down Main Street. This tradition continued in 1914. However, in 1916 the festivities were more subdued with a costumed Carnival Ball held […]
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Enjoy their Visit to the British Virgin Islands ~ 1977
Queen Elizabeth II visits the British Virgin Islands By Valerie Sims In 1977, my uncle, Ron Walker, photographed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as they arrived on Tortola for a short visit. As a tribute to Her Majesty for her 90th birthday, I made this slideshare presentation of the photographs he took that […]
Find Your Family on this 1918 Passenger List!
During the early twentieth century, sailing vessels were the lifelines for island residents. Below are the stories of some of them and their tragic fates. 📚 1912 – SYRIA 1916 – SPIDER 1920s – EAGLE 1923 – LA GRACIA 1930s – TO WINDWARD 1930s – FANCY ME The Courageous Captain Sewer The Danish sloop, Irma II carried mail, supplies, and passengers as far […]
Discovering One of the Earliest Stories by J. Antonio Jarvis
J. Antonio Jarvis Great discovery!! Here is one of the EARLIEST stories published by J. Antonio Jarvis! He was only fifteen years old in 1917 when this story was published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper. HOW WOLF SAVED TOM by J. Antonio Jarvis Tom was living near the river and he had a pet […]