Documentary: US Virgin Islands Vernacular Cottage Part 1 & 2

A great passion of mine is saving the disappearing Vernacular "Wooden" Cottage that existed in large numbers in our historic towns. These beautifully crafted residential structures highlight the high skill level of  our African ancestors that constructed these humble abodes. They posses countless details such as beaded rafters and uprights (a small lineal routed joint) on each side of the lumber that gives the interior a finished look. Tracery or a screen between room partitions on the upper half of the wall allows heat to pass through the spaces. Of course, gingerbread (decorative pattern work) located on fascia boards and railings make these residences richly detailed. Another unique aspect of these structures is that they are mortise and tenon construction using no nails or glue, only a dowel and peg system. Each piece is typically marked so that if they had to be moved, they could be taken apart and put back together similar to a LEGO set. These structures, typically prevalent in the freed slave areas in our towns, are a legacy of the triumph in the face of adversity that our African ancestors endured during the period of slavery during Danish Colonial rule. They also tell a unique story of the transference of wealth by these same individuals who passed their homes on to future generations ... many of whom still own them today. To save them in my opinion is paramount. 

Efforts by individuals, especially the younger generation, like LaVaughn Belle and Rivert Diaz should be commended if we truly desire to save these structures for future generations. While surfing the net, I came across this YouTube video labeled West Indian Cottage Part & Part 2. 

US Virgin Islands Vernacular Cottage: Part 1

US Virgin Islands Vernacular Cottage: Part 2


This is a wonderful documentary and time capsule of what existed here in the Territory in the early 1980's. There are structures that appear here that have subsequently vanished from our landscape. During this time, as long as the building had measured drawings made, it could be demolished. After the VI Antiquities Law of 1998, that option is not the standard any more. Please note the delicacy of the details on buildings during close ups. I feel modern day replication of these details are "heavy handed" and don't reflect true proportions that were used in the past.

This documentary was posted by the Island Green Building Council in St. John. Doug White who is a member of this Council edited and produced it with George F. Tyson, Jr.  Funding was provided by the Island Resources Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.