Wha’s Happ’nin’

By Sis Frank

St. John Pioneer Passes

Fred Samuel has left us — as Oscar James said, “Our boy has gone.” Life will never be the same on the street behind the bank — Fred returned from Horn and Hardart in New York in the 1960s to open a restaurant next to Sally’s. He then moved across the street to create Fred’s, a unique restaurant, store, night club and major gathering place in Cruz Bay.

All club meetings were held at Eric’s Hilltop (now the Legislature), or Fred’s — Boy Scout Council, Lions, Pioneer Benevolent Society, major celebrations, bands playing weekly, etc. All presided over by a wonderful man who cared about St. John, his home.

is neighbor, the Lutheran Church, could always count on his band music being turned off during church activities.

The Flamboyant Club in Coral Bay was a smaller version of “Fred’s” — the perfect location for wedding receptions.

His daughter, Faye, could be seen daily carrying out her errands in the village as she became his right hand over the years. Mr. Guy Benjamin and Milton Samuel presided over the raucous domino games.

Change is inevitable — beautiful paneling now encloses the gaming center run by Rocky Liburd. Ishmael Scatliffe added his talents to reconstructing the old Fred’s into a very attractive dance floor and game room. (In fact, I thought that Fred had adopted Ishmael).

I shall always remember Fred with love and admiration for his kind heart and devotion to filling a need on St. John. His business operations were well-run and always reminded you that you were in a small community that cared about you.

My deepest sympathy to the Samuel family and friends on the loss of a special man.