The Neighborhoods Of Christiansted

About the Book

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 activities.  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.

About the Author

Karen C. Thurland, Ph.D., of Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, is a Virgin Islands historian, author, and a retired educator. She is the daughter of Will and Modesta Thurland of Christiansted, St. Croix. Karen is the author of The Thurland Family and the Furniture making Tradition, Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Master Cabinetmaker and Band Leader, The 872nd and 873rd Port Companies: My Father's Story, and The Neighborhoods of Christiansted, St. Croix: 1910-1960. Karen is a 1998 recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts for her contributions towards the advancement of the Art of Literature in the Virgin Islands.