Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
ELSIE BAKER Performs in the Virgin Islands! ~ 1932
In the 1930s, famous celebrities were invited to the islands by the first civilian Governor, Dr. Paul M. Pearson. He held a deep love for the arts and believed the island community would as well. One of the first artists he invited was Louise Stallings. Others included the Hampton Quartette, the poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay, as […]
How Early Medical Pioneers Made a Difference ~ 1932
KUDOS to the early medical pioneers that advocated for higher levels of health care in the islands! Dr. Mortenson, Dr. Knud-Hansen, Dr. Christensen, Dr. Stafford, Dr. Lanclos and Dr. Sumner were just a few of the individuals who made a difference in the medical and dental fields during the early twentieth century. Prior to 1917, there were just a few dedicated […]
How Graduation Celebrations at Lindbergh Bay Became the Best Memories ~ 1953
I smile every time I see this photograph of my mother and her friends!😊 As teenagers, she and her closest cousins loved the beach! Lindbergh Bay, Magens Bay, and Lindquist Beach were their favorites! This photo, with Sister Grace Imelda, was taken at a beach party for the celebrating graduates of Sts. Peter & Paul High School. Graduation […]
How One Brave Captain Touched the Hearts of Many As He Sailed Around the World ~ 1932
alt=”Sailing around the world! Captain Harry Pidgeon of the ISLANDER visits St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands ~ 1937 By Valerie Sims” width=”638″ height=”536″ /> Do you love old photographs? I’m fascinated by them and have spent a lifetime trying to figure out who was who in my ancestor’s albums. I was intrigued by this photograph […]
All Passengers Survive After Seaplane Goes Down! ~ 1978
In the late 1970s, our volleyball team from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic school traveled to St. Croix to compete in the inter-island school competitions. ⛹🏼♀️ I can’t recall if we won or lost, but for many of us, it was our first trip to St. Croix and our first time on the seaplane. […]
The Popularity of Snipe Boat Racing ~ 1936
During the 1930s, Snipe boat racing was an exciting sport in the islands! Snipe Boats The first Snipe boat was designed in 1931 and became a popular racing class with fleets around the world. In 1935, an International Snipe Class Association was organized in St. Thomas. Shipwright, Willie Lewis built the first few boats. When he launched […]
Thousands Greeted President Franklin D. Roosevelt On His Virgin Islands Visit ~ 1934
From L to R: Honorable Herman O. Creque, representing St. John (great-grandfather), Unknown Council member, Honorable Herbert E. Lockhart, Unknown Council member, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mrs. Edna Pearson, the Governor’s wife & Franklin Roosevelt Jr. Copyrighted photo © 2016 Valerie Sims. All Rights Reserved. Franklin D. Roosevelt The summer of 1934 was one of […]
The Mail Schooner, VIRGINIA Visits ~ 1921
The mail schooner, Virginia was originally built in Curacao in the Dutch West Indies. She was one of the hundreds of vessels to visit the Creque Marine Railway for service and repairs. According to the railway’s surviving records, Virginia arrived on May 4, 1921. Herman Creque jotted down her dimensions as he spoke with her captain. She was 60 feet in […]
How Harvest Festival was Celebrated in Tortola ~ 1912
Harvest Festival celebrations were an integral part of life in the British Virgin Islands! It was a time when families appreciated the crops grown and the nourishment they provided. The week was traditionally honored with Church celebrations and family festivities. Decorating the Church On November 20, 1912, St. George’s Anglican Church celebrated the Harvest festival with a Thanksgiving Service. According to […]
How the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Was Formed ~ 1914
The Bethany Mission House was the site of many important meetings in the history of the Danish West Indies. On January 20, 1914, the very first meeting took place for the purpose of establishing a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Kindness to Animals “The attendance was large and the proceedings interesting with many prominent citizens present. Seated in […]