St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, a Caribbean island, had a large number of black tradesmen who operated their own shops in its towns. These men passed on vital technical skills to their sons and apprentices, so those colonial crafts persisted during the Danish era. A few trades have continued for over a hundred years of American rule. Two of the tradesmen featured in this book, Peter G. Thurland Sr. and Alphonso Forbes, participated as musicians in the transfer ceremony of the Danish West Indies to the United States in the town of Christiansted, St. Croix, on March 31, 1917, while one tradesman, Carlos H. McGregor, observed the event. The tradesmen documented in this publication include a blacksmith, mason, shoemaker, tailor, two goldsmiths, and two joiners. They started out as young apprentices and went on to master a trade and operate their own workshop or business. These native black men contributed to the economic, social, and political life of St. Croix through periods of prosperity and financial hardships. These tradesmen were respected by people in the community and are a vital part of the island's history and culture.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, a Caribbean island, had a large number of black tradesmen who operated their own shops in its towns. These men passed on vital technical skills to their sons and apprentices, so those colonial crafts persisted during the Danish era. A few trades have continued for over a hundred years of American rule. Two of the tradesmen featured in this book, Peter G. Thurland Sr. and Alphonso Forbes, participated as musicians in the transfer ceremony of the Danish West Indies to the United States in the town of Christiansted, St. Croix, on March 31, 1917, while one tradesman, Carlos H. McGregor, observed the event. The tradesmen documented in this publication include a blacksmith, mason, shoemaker, tailor, two goldsmiths, and two joiners. They started out as young apprentices and went on to master a trade and operate their own workshop or business. These native black men contributed to the economic, social, and political life of St. Croix through periods of prosperity and financial hardships. These tradesmen were respected by people in the community and are a vital part of the island’s history and culture.
Former residents of the town of Christiansted on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands reflect on their childhood days growing up in neighborhoods that were nurturing and teeming with traditions and cultural. The participants' stories tell of childhood friends, games, foods, prominent merchants, historical figures, masquerades, and colorful characters who lived in Watergut, Free Gut, Gallows Bay, and other neighborhoods. The stories are about life in a Caribbean town that had Danish and English influences and after 1917 an American influence. The photographs reflect the time period 1910-1960, and in addition, several cultural artifacts are depicted in the stories.
Study of sugar industry in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands which spanned from its earliest settlements to the mid-20th century with focus on the later period and the industry's decline as the economic determinant that influenced the social and cultural fiber of the island.
The book highlights masqueraders on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to include Viggo Roberts, Lionel Huntt and Asta Williams along with stories aout Paddy Moore, Fritz "Marshall" Sealey, Albert Halliday and other street performers who performed on certain holidays. Two Crucian musicians, Ernest "Prince" Galloway and Dr. Stanley Jacobs, share stories about their musical careers. The organization of the Old Time St. Croix Christmas Festival is researched and documented. The book contains information on troupe leaders such as Floyd Henderson, Lillian Bailey, Amy P. Joseph for the Eve's Garden Troupe, the Gentlemen of Jones and Genevieve "Jenny" Thurland. Former Senator Lilliana Belardo de O'Neal describes the significance of Three King's Day and the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the St. Croix Festival. The photographs provide colorful images of the costumes worn by participants during that period. The book is educational, historical and cultural for present and future generations of Virgin Islanders to enjoy.
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