Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Jewish Soldier Stationed in St. Thomas Writes Interesting Letter Home ~ 1942
Auctioned Items Available An archive of seven letters, written between October 10 and December 26, 1942, by a Jewish soldier from Brooklyn, who was stationed in St. Thomas, is up for sale. Frederick Goldman was in the Coast Guard and these insightful letters were written to his parents and sister, all of whom live in […]
Peter H. Thurland, A Jeweler of Distinction Passes Away ~ 1913
Peter H. Thurland Very rarely is a vintage photograph found with the name and profession of the subject in the picture! This image was discovered in the Royal Danish Museum’s collection in Denmark. Above is Mr. Thurland, a goldsmith and “much-respected citizen” from Christiansted, St. Croix. Goldsmith In 1907, he was commissioned to make and […]
What Happened to Little Asta Lawaetz ~ 1915
The Lawaetz Family The Lawaetz family lived in a beautiful, stately home in Estate Little La Grange on St. Croix. Carl Lawaetz, a Danish cattle farmer, purchased the property in 1896. He and his wife, Marie had seven children together shortly after their marriage, but only five survived to adulthood. One precious little daughter they lost […]
Charles Lindbergh, The Flier with the Eagle Eye ~ 1928
Colonel Charles Lindbergh It was a landmark occasion when the infamous aviator, Charles Lindbergh touched down on the western end of St. Thomas in the Spirit of St. Louis. ~ January 31, 1928. Cheering fans and hundreds of spectators greeted him when his plane slowed to a stop, becoming the second plane to ever land on the […]
How Fort Christian Became a National Registered Landmark ~ 1977
Fort Christian Under Governor Cyril King, Fort Christian became certified as a National Historic Landmark ~ 1977 He officially accepted a certificate and bronze plaque from the Department of the Interior formally designating the 300-year-old fort in St. Thomas a historic landmark. This drawing by the artist, Carlos Jeffs is available on eBay. To read […]
I’m Having a Lovely Time at Caneel Bay ~ 1985
Caneel Bay 1985 “We’re having a great time! This place is surely a tropical paradise. Today, we’re going to explore the island by jeep. The weather is simply beautiful!” This collectible is available on eBay. Have a look at other vintage postcards sent by visitors to the islands. They’re quite entertaining! Have a look inside my […]
Pictures from the St. John July 4th Parade ~ 2019
The St. John July 4th Parade
13 Sunday School Scriptures to Know ~ 1914
13 Sunday School Scriptures to Know
Very Fair and Full of Promise is the Island of St. Thomas ~ 1868
Harte’s Island of St. Thomas by Bret Harte 1868 When the question of the purchase of the Danish West Indies by the United States came up in 1868, Bret Harte, a California poet, wrote a poem which became popular at the time. The islands had recently suffered a hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake the year before, which […]
What’s Inside the Mystery Cave at John Brewers Bay ~ 1929
John Brewer’s Bay The cave set high above the Estate of John Brewers Bay on the Western end of St. Thomas has intrigued visitors for years. Tales of hidden treasure abounded and many risked their lives to climb up, hoping to make a lucky discovery. The property once belonged to Louis Eugene de Lagarde, a […]