Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Rare Swallow Stick Found at Magens Bay! ~ 1917
In 1917, Captain Theodore De Booy made an incredible discovery in the US Virgin Islands. Discovery of Rare Swallow Stick While excavating at a site at Magens Bay on St. Thomas, he uncovered a rare Swallow Stick. It was thought to be used by West Indian priests in worship ceremonies. The find was estimated to be about 500 to 800 years […]
The Inauguration of the FIRST Civilian Governor ~ 1931
Photo: G.T. Small On March 18, 1931, anticipation grew to new heights as a record crowd of 7,000 residents gathered at the Emancipation Park! They came together to witness the inauguration of the first Civilian Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Dr. Paul M. Pearson. Our great-grandmother and her family brought their parasols and joined the crowds for this historic moment.☂ A […]
A Few Lucky Residents Tour a One of a Kind Wonder Before She Sunk ~ 1914
Many generations of our family have loved touring the vessels that anchored off St Thomas. ⚓ Watching movies on the Carla C, climbing through the USS Nimitz, posing with the Cadets on the Horst Wessel or touring the Danish ship, Danmark were highlights for all! When the great, new motorship Malakka arrived in St. Thomas on October 16, 1914, there’s no doubt that family members […]
Duke and Duchess of Kent Visit St. Thomas! ~ 1935
Did you know that the first British Royal to visit the Virgin Islands, formerly known as the Danish West Indies, was Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Albert? 👑 When he arrived, hundreds of excited citizens gathered on the wharf to greet him! Nearly seventy-five years later, another British Royal would attract just as much attention. 🇬🇧 A […]
Servicing the USS RANGER at the Railway ~ 1925
Source: Library of Congress The USS Ranger In August 1924, a deadly hurricane caused severe damage to the homes on Tortola and many in the US Virgin Islands. The USS Ranger came to the rescue! When called upon, she transported lots of workers to the outlying islands to assist those in need. Governor Philip Williams was so grateful […]
Repairing the MAMIE COYLE ~ 1929
Photo Source: Memphis Public Library and Information Center The Creque Marine Railway on Hassel Island provided hauling and marine repair services to hundreds of vessels during its ownership by the Creque family, 1910 – 1978. Historic vessels with fascinating histories routinely scheduled slots on the slip weeks in advance. Mamie Coyle’s History One such vessel was the Mamie Coyle. […]
CONSTITUTION DAY Celebrated! ~ 1937
On September 17, 1937, Constitution Day was celebrated in the US Virgin Islands! The signing of the Declaration of Independence as one of the most important holidays in US history. The day was honored with music, parades and a full schedule of sporting festivities. Constitution Day The Church bells rang at sunrise, the trumpets blared and those with vehicles tooted their horns. […]
Louise Stallings Performs For Those Less Fortunate ~ 1932
Governor Paul M. Pearson was a great supporter of the arts! In 1932, he invited Miss Louise Stallings, a young American soprano to perform. She arrived on August 9, 1932, with her accompanist, Mr. Helfenbein to give a series of concerts similar to her programs given in New York City. Stalling’s Performance She engaged the audience at the Community […]
The Most Beautiful Ship in the World Visits St. Thomas ~ 1938
When I first saw this faded photograph of an ocean liner, I thought I would never know her identity. 📷 Like most of the photographs in our ancestors albums, nothing was written on the back of the picture. As I looked closely, I realized that the ship wasn’t anchored inside the Charlotte Amalie harbor, but rather, behind Hassel Island,where all the oversized […]
How a Crew Survived their Ship’s Sinking ~ 1932
During the 1920s and 1930s, the yawl, To Windward transported mail and passengers between the islands. Its owner was Captain Christian Moller. On August 15, 1932, they departed Christiansted for Denmark by way of Portsmouth, England with a cargo of mail. The Wreck Unfortunately, five hundred miles off Lisbon, the vessel ran into trouble! Gale force winds battered the boat until most of […]