Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Pass It On, An Inspirational Poem ~ 1913
Here’s a little poem to brighten your day, found in the Danish newspapers. 🗞 Pass It On by Rev. Henry Burton Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on T’was not given for thee alone. Pass it on Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, Till in heaven, the deed appears— […]
How St. Thomas Became Known as a City of Music and Laughter ~ 1892
A City of Music and Laughter St. Thomas made such an impression on one traveler that he dubbed the island, a City of Music and Laughter. Here’s a letter he wrote to the editor of the local newspaper of his marvelous stay in St. Thomas and how the friendliness of the people made him feel […]
133 Acres of Paraquita Bay Estate for Sale ~ 1914
Paraquita Bay Estate 1914 Paraquita Bay is located south of Maya Cove on the eastern end of Tortola. It features one of the largest natural harbors in the British Virgin Islands where many of the vessels sought refuge before Hurricane Irma. In 1914, over one hundred and thirty acres of Paraquita Bay was offered at […]
The Road Town Post Office, One of Five in the British Virgin Islands ~ 1906
The Road Town Post Office
What Drinking Does, Its Effects Upon Society, Business, Politics, and Religion ~ 1916
What Drink Does Here’s a post found in the archives of Royal Danish Library on drinking and its effects. There were several articles written in the St. Thomas newspapers, extolling the virtues of abstaining from alcohol.
Fresh Yellow Limes Available in Tortola ~ 1908
The Lime Industry in Tortola Here’s an interesting notice found in the archives of the Royal Danish Library about the lime industry in Tortola and how much was paid for them. Mr. Fishlock, the Agriculturist on the island said it was already clearly demonstrated that limes would grow well in Tortola and he felt sure […]
The Loss of the Dutch Galliot, DETROOP off Anegada ~ 1851
Dutch Galliot, Detroop Wrecks Anegada, the flat, drowned island of the British Virgin Islands claimed countless wrecks over the years. The island’s reputation was notorious! Copious reports spoke of the “wreckers” who inhabited the island and preyed on the helpless victims who hit the surrounding reef. In 1851, the loss of another vessel was reported, but it appeared […]
Transfer Day, An Engaging Historical Thriller by Sophie Schiller
Transfer Day This wonderful book is an action-packed adventure that brings to life a fading West Indian sugar colony in the last days of Danish rule.” ~ 1916 “A page-turner with emotional resonance.” –Publishers Weekly St. Thomas This is a beautiful story set in the Virgin Islands by someone who grew up on the island and […]
The Earliest Known Telephone Subscribers in St. Thomas ~ 1909
Early St. Thomas Telephone Subscribers When telephone wires were being strung along the streets in St. Thomas, residents were excited! Hello, and happy greetings would soon be shared over the wires. ~ 1907 The concession to operate the first telephones on the island was granted to Knud Bent Hey, the Building Inspector who was also credited […]
A Pretty Dock Scene Print for Sale of the Virgin Islands
Pretty Dock Scene Hundreds of artists have been captivated by the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands. Some artists we know by name while others remain nameless. This pretty dock scene captured the vibrancy of Tortola Wharf where all the boats from other islands came to trade. They brought fruits, like bananas, pineapples, and more […]