-
President’s Summer 2010 Message.
Good Day, Everyone
The Society has had a very busy and fulfilling 2009-2010 season.
We forged new friendships with each other and with our hosts during off-island and on-island field trips. Our sea voyages (around Coral Bay on Elliot Hooper’s Silver Cloud and on the Fast Ferry to St. Croix) were great adventures. On Silver Cloud we enjoyed East End history from Board Members David Knight and Eleanor Gibney, Captain Elliot, and Society Life member Les Anderson. Led by David and Eleanor, we hiked diverse landscapes and historical sites—the coffee plantation Paquereaux, the once-heavily populated Waterlemon Bay, and the intriguing Vanniniberg . Our membership meetings were equally diverse and well-attended…never a meeting with fewer than 50 and one that spilled over the walls of lovely Bethany Moravian Church Hall with 120 attendees!! We reached back epochs ago with Roy Watlington and Don Drost’s presentation of St John’s geology. We focused on the history of St John as a “hotbed of science” with Board Member Rafe Boulon. We were able to recall the St John of ‘just yesterday’ with Board Member Elroy Sprauve’s December exhibition of handmade toys and artifacts and with two presentations of David Knight’s family’s collection of St John images from the mid-1900s. At our first membership meeting of the season, we hosted Ladies’ Storytelling moderated by Board Emeritus Andro Childs, and heard about growing up on St. John before the tourists came; at the last membership meeting of the year, the initiative with East End and Coral Bay Quarter St Johnians to ‘map’ vernacular 1840-1940 “placenames”, and to locate them on the Society’s website with interactive maps was previewed. We are much honored that these culture bearers have entrusted the Society with storing and sharing their cultural geography. And we are indebted to VI Humanities Council and to the entire project team for their hard work and support.
We had many other successes. St John – Life in Five Quarters was completed early this fall. It is leaping off the shelves, and half (1,000!) of our books are sold. Thanks to the membership’s generosity, we covered the upfront costs of printing the book, and over a hundred copies were distributed to schools, libraries, and public-facing National Park employees. In addition, the Society’s Website launched a Webstore for book and membership purchases, integrated additional maps and mapping features, and installed audio for posting storytellings. A record number of people access it daily. Talented Board Members Peter Burgess and Morgan Barlas are positioning the website to play an important part in the Society’s future.
The ‘season’ is now over. Some of our members are travelling from Paradise back to states-side homes now hopefully cleared of snow and free of inclement weather. For those of us living on St. John year-round, we’re looking forward (ungenerously?) to peace and quiet, a parking space, a bay entirely to ourselves for a snorkel or swim, and, of course, planning for next year.
On behalf of the entire Board, Thank You.
Robin Swank
-
November 10, 2009 19:00-Bethany Moravian Church Hall. “Women’s Storytelling” with Andro Childs as moderator.
In keeping with our storytelling and cultural focus, please reserve Tuesday November 10th for the Society–sponsored Women’s Storytelling, 7pm at Bethany Moravian Church Hall. Storytelling is not new to St. John culture nor to the Society; we have hosted at least a half dozen storytelling sessions in the past ten years. But it has been quite a while since ladies, who either grew upon St. John or who have spent much of their lives here, have shared their unique perspective of St. John with the SJHS. Please join us, with founding Society member Andro Childs as moderator, for a wonderful event. Of course, gentlemen are cordially invited.
-
December 8, 2009 7 PM -Bethany Moravian Church Hall. “Science on St. John: Past and Present” with Rafe Boulon, VINP biologist.
Believe it or not–St. John is a hotbed of science; there has been a lot of science conducted on St John!!! When the terrestrial part of the VINP was established in 1956 and the marine part in 1962, the protection of our dry tropical forests and marine systems provided a great opportunity for short and long term research. Likewise, the protection of historic and archaeological sites provided researchers the opportunity to understand the history and heritage of St. John’s diverse inhabitants. The establishment of the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument in 2001 created additional venues to conduct marine research, and a large body of work has been accumulated on the resources that reside inside our Park boundaries. PLEASE JOIN RAFE BOULON, VINP BIOLOGIST at 7 PM ON DECEMBER 8TH at the BETHANY MORAVIAN CHURCH HALL, where he will share the history of truly groundbreaking science (and its aquatic equivalent) conducted on and around tiny St John.
-
Tuesday January 12, 2010 7 PM- Bethany Morvavian Church Hall. “Geological History of St John” with Don Drost and Roy Watlington, animated amateur rock hounds.
Are you curious about really ancient history? Do you know where the rifts are on our island? (Not just the one at Rift/Reef Bay.) Do you want to know what those pink–and–mustard/gold swirled rocks at Genti Bay are, or what the chocolate rocks at Chocolate Hole are made of, or what comprises the white chalky cliffs at Reef Bay? Are you curious about where our wells are, and why? Do you know what created that line–up of big boulders along the north shore of St. John all the way up to The Baths on Virgin Gorda? Please join Don Drost and Roy Watlington, animated amateur rock hounds, to find out. Bring questions—or rocks, if you prefer. You have never heard this version of geology!!!
-
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 7 PM- Bethany Morvavian Church Hall. “The Awakening of an American Paradise; Three Decades That Transformed St. John” with David Knight.
St. John Historical Society will hold its meeting on Tuesday, February 9th at 7 PM at the Bethany Moravian Church Hall. After a short business meeting, historian David Knight will provide a photographic journey through time with his presentation of “The Awakening of an American Paradise; Three Decades That Transformed St. John.” This entertaining and thought provoking presentation will feature seldom seen photographs of St. John taken by David’s parents, Anna and George Knight, between the years 1936 and 1966, as well as commentary by a distinguished panel of eyewitnesses to this pivotal period in St. John history. Also that evening, Eleanor Gibney will present selected images from our new book, “St. John- Life in Five Quarters. ” Members and guests are invited to join in the conversation and are encouraged to bring along any photos, postcards, or illustrations they might have from this period, so that they can be digitally copied for preservation in the SJHS archive. All images with be handled with the utmost care and promptly returned to their owners. Hope to see you there!
-
Tuesday March 9, 2010 7 PM- Bethany Morvavian Church Hall. “The Awakening of an American Paradise; Three Decades That Transformed St. John (Part 2/2)” with David Knight.
Please join us Tuesday evening, March 9th at 7 PM at the Bethany Moravian Church Hall as historian David Knight takes us on a photographic journey “The Awakening of an American Paradise- Three decades that Transformed St. John.” This is part II of his presentation featuring photographs of St. John taken by his parents, Anna and George Knight, which focuses on the 1950s and 60s here on St. John. Bring a friend or neighbor and arrive early for good seating. You won’t want to miss this wonderful look back at St. John at an earlier time.
-
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 5:30 PM- Bethany Morvavian Church Hall. Potluck dinner at 5:30 PM. Presentation and Business Meeting at 7 PM -- “Mapping the Cultural Geography of St John, 1840s-1940s.”.
Potluck at 5:30 at Bethany Moravian Church Hall! Bring Dakta Fish and your Ole Wife!
Presentation and Business Meeting at 7 PM! Tuesday, April 13th is the final membership meeting of the season (although given our bizarre weather, it’s difficult to determine what season it actually is!) At 5:30 PM please bring a dish to share with fellow SJHS members and guests, and then stay for the membership meeting which begins at 7 PM. The evening’s presentation will feature the working results of the SJHS-sponsored VI Humanities Council grant “Mapping the Cultural Geography of St John, 1840s-1940s.” Join a panel of East End and Coral Bay Quarter Culture Bearers, Project Director Beulah Dalmida, Principal Grant Writer Crystal Fortwangler, Board Member and Webmaster Peter Burgess, and historian and Board Advisor David Knight, as they present the “placenames” of that era. A short business meeting to elect Officers and Directors for 2010-2011 will precede the presentation.
-
November 2010 Please join us for our Nov 2010 - April 2011 season
-
November 27, 2009 12:00-Flamingo Club at the base of Fortsberg Hill. Fortsberg Trek.
Please join and support the Pan African Support Group’s trek to Fortsberg on Friday, November 27th, in remembrance of the 1733 slave rebellion. Society members wishing to participate should meet at the Flamingo Club in Coral Bay around noon. Because participants will be coming from St. Thomas and across–island, the timetable is flexible. So, be patient, wear sturdy hiking shoes, head on up the hill if you wish, wear sunscreen, and bring plenty of water, including an extra bottle of water for someone who might forget.
-
December 12, 2009 10am-Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cruz Bay.
The Gifting season is upon us. It’s all about the TOYS AND HANDMADE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ONCE GIVEN AS GIFTS. ON DECEMBER 12TH, PLEASE JOIN SOCIETY BOARD MEMBER ELROY SPRAUVE on the NAZARETH LUTHEREN CHURCH FRONT YARD to see demonstrations of ‘old-time’ toys and view crafts hand–made from St John botanicals years ago. Although our articles are from St Johnians’ private collections and are not for sale, the Nazareth Lutheran Church Bazaar, who have graciously allowed us to co–locate with them, will be selling items to fill your Santa sacks. The Event will begin at about 10AM; the Bazaar will also offer edible items, so please stay through the lunch hour.
-
Saturday, January 23, 2010 9 AM-Annaberg parking lot. Explore the Historical Landscape of Water Lemon Bay with Historian David Knight
While the Annaberg sugar factory epitomizes singularity in colonial–era industrial design and function, the sprawling remains at neighboring Waterlemon Bay are a study in diversity. Join historian David Knight for an in–depth exploration of what was once St. John’s most active and densely–populated coastline. Those wishing to participate should meet at 9 am at the Annaberg parking lot on Saturday January 23rd, 2010. This is a moderately difficult hike; wear sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate protective clothing for sun and thorny bush. Also pack sunscreen, bug repellant, a towel, and plenty of drinking water. Still cameras are welcome, but please, no video or recording devices. SJHS activities are free to members and guests; a donation of $25 per person from participating non–members would be appreciated.
-
Saturday, February 20, 2010 9:30 AM- Dinghy dock in Coral Bay (behind Skinny Legs). Sail Silver Cloud.
The St. John Historical Society will host a benefit aboard the historic 110’ steel schooner Silver Cloud on Saturday, February 20th. Tickets are $90 per person, which includes a catered picnic lunch and complimentary soft drinks and water all day. Meet at the dinghy dock in Coral Bay, behind Skinny’s at 9:30 AM. Tickets are available at Connections in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
‘Silver Cloud’ was originally built in 1899 as a steam driven “Great Lakes Pilot Ship” in Ontario, Canada. It was converted to a three-masted schooner by Captain Elliot Hooper after Hurricane Hugo. She will take us to explore the Coral Bay waters—about 5 hours, depending on the wind.
While onboard, David Knight will provide a presentation on notable landmarks and the cays & bays of East End and Coral Bay Quarter, Eleanor Gibney & Les Anderson will lead a discussion on the East End boatbuilding community of the early 1900s and Captain Hooper will provide some insights into Silver Cloud’s own rich history. There will also be an opportunity for a snorkel on the reefs of Round Bay (bring your own gear.)
Lunch is being catered by Chef Jim McManus of Shipwreck Landing Restaurant and wine & beer will be available for purchase. And, there will be an opportunity to pre-purchase copies of “St. John, Life in Five Quarters”, the Society’s historical book of St. John. Make your reservations early because space is very limited for this exiting adventure!
-
Saturday, March 13th, 2010 9 AM-Bordeaux Mt. Road. Explore Estate Paquerau with Historian David Knight
On Saturday, March 13th, we continue our explorations of the upper Reef Bay valley complex of estates with a hike to the ruins of Estate Pasquero, or Pacuerau or Pascuerau… any way we spell it, it will be a challenging hike, straight down from the Bordeaux ridge–and back up– not for the faint of heart, weak of knee, or strongly jack-spaniard averse. Meet at 9AM atop the hill just inside the entrance to Bordeaux Mt. Road–parking at the pull-outs along the road. David Knight will lead us to this remote plantation and provide commentary along the way. We will not be on a trail, and you should be confident of your ability to negotiate steep grades, loose rocks and thick vegetation. This hike is rated difficult.
-
Saturday, April 17, 2010 9 AM-North Shore Road at East end of Maho Bay. Explore Vaniniberg plantation with Historian David Knight.
Join us on Saturday, April 17, at 9:00 AM for our final outing of the 2009-2010 season. David Knight will once again be leading us on a journey into St. John’s past, this time for a visit to the little known Vaniniberg plantation, where we will explore the ruins of one of grandest and most opulent estate houses of the colonial period. Those wishing to attend should meet along the North Shore Road at Maho Bay near the old warehouse on East end of the beach. Parking along the road is often limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing that provides protection from thorny bush. A $25 donation from non-members is appreciated. And please, no video cameras or recording devises during the presentation.
-
November 2010 Please join us for our Nov 2010 - April 2011 season
-
January 15-17, 2010 - St. Croix ‘explore’
A St. Croix Sojourn for 2010 SJHS Members Only — Friday, Jan 15th through Sunday, Jan 17th, 2010. We are journeying by fast ferry to St Croix early Friday morning, enjoying a whirlwind tour (which is still evolving), and returning Sunday evening. We have moved the whole 3–day trip one day forward (beginning Friday instead of Saturday), and we are still way overbooked. There is a waitlist. However, if you would like to be waitlisted and notified in case of a cancellation, please reach Margie Labrenz, who is masterminding the details of the trip, either directly at 693-8808 or through our website at ContactUs@stjohnhistoricalsociety.org. Reservations will be confirmed in the order in which people sign up. A $100 per person check is required as a deposit, as we are reserving a block of hotel rooms. (Only if you don’t show and we cannot find a replacement, will we cash this check. Otherwise it will be returned to you.)
-
November 2010 Please join us for our Nov 2010 - April 2011 season
