The beach below has been featured in several other newsletters as it’s my favorite beach. But with so many on the island why did this particular location hold so much meaning to me? It was not until recently I found the answer. So, flip a cap or add some ice to your favorite beverage and let me tell you the story – I promise it will be short but of interest to anyone drawn to this small island.
Oppenheimer Beach
Back in the mid 50’s a husband, wife and two children moved to St. John and built a home on this beach. Not unlike many since have done to escape their former unhappy lives. See, he had lost almost everything due to government unjust persecution. The family spent days on the beach and sailing the calm warm waters. No one knew them and just like today, not a soul cared about their past. This family struck up a friendship with a St. Thomas couple with small children and similar circumstances although, in this case, they were escaping the IRS. The couples would frequently meet at various beaches just talking while the children played. It is reputed the husbands would drink a bottle of gin while sipping martinis and smoke 100 cigarettes EACH!
Now the rest of the story:
Until recently, I was not aware of the above information. The man with the IRS problem – my father. The man oppressed by the government; Robert Oppenheimer known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb...
This month, “Oppenheimer” the movie is due for release maybe it will say something about his time on St. John, maybe it won’t – we’ll see. Anyway, there are many books about Oppenheimer, equally interesting is his wife Kitty who had a most scandalous life. Lastly, I believe his son Peter is still alive.
SHAMELESS MARKETING:
Been doing a lot of improvements at Sopra Mare most of which you won’t see. New hot water heater, air conditioner and complete sewer system plus needed landscape work. As always, both villas are in top condition just waiting your arrival at discounted prices for prime weeks of July and August. Let’s make a deal!
For more on St. John and Mulley’s St. John Villas, Click below: