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History

On December 28, 1946, the Municipality of St.Thomas and St.John acquired the magnificient Magens Bay Beach, and some 50 adjoining acres of grove and grass land by gift of the owner, Arthur S. Fairchild.  The beach, which is more than 500 yards long, is regarded by world travelers as one of the most magnificent to be found anywhere.  The grove contains many rare and beautiful trees.   The entire area was developed by the St.Thomas Park Authority, now the Magens Bay Authority for public recreation in  accordance with the wishes of the public spirited donor through whose generosity and vision the community has so largely benefitted.

In his 1943 Deed of Conveyance, Fairchild stipulated that Magens Bay should be "Maintained as a public park (with its natural beauty preserved) for use by the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity without discrimination of any kind as to race, creed, color or national origin." This unique vision has inspired those charged with its mangement.

 

MAGENS BAY AUTHORITY IN SEARCH OF HISTORIC PHOTOS

Think back.  Do you have some old photos of Magens Bay?  The Magens Bay Authority (MBA) is in search of old photographs and postcards of Magens Bay that were taken between 1900 and 1970 to be used for a documentary about the history of Magens Bay.

In a collaborative effort with the MBA, the Enid M. Baa Library and Archives, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, will scan and archive your photographic mementoes, and return them to you. You can help us preserve our history by searching through your collection of photos and post cards and rediscovering a piece of history that will be shared with the world. Please bring your original photographs and postcards to the Enid M. Baa Library, Von Scholten Collection, by November 9, 2007.   If your photo or postcard is selected and used for the Magens Bay documentary you will receive a CD of all selected historic photos, along with recognition in the credits of the documentary.  For more information, please call Hubert Brumant at the Magens Bay Authority at (340) 777-6300, or Robert Morón or Beverly Smith at theArchives, (340) 774-2362, or at the Von Scholten Collection at (340) 774-0630.