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Years ago---40 odd ( and some of them odder than others:) ) on our honeymoon, my husband and I met a geltleman named John Thomas Griffin who was going to create an inn on St. Thomas. We are taking a cruise in February and thought that it would be fun to see what happened to his place--which he intended to name " The SIgn of tthe Griffin" Almost no info on it online. Does anyone know anything?
There's a place called "Griffin Villas" on the Northside. Check it at:
http://www.villasintl.com/Caribbean/US_Virgin_Islands/St_Thomas/Griffin_villas/
The place exists. I don't know if it's still run as a guest house, but the sign of the Sign of the Griffin is still there. Now for you to try and find it would be a good treasure hunt! It's on the road that leads from Mahogany Run or Peace Corp School,(42) heading East, it's on the right shortly before the intersection of the Tutu Bypass(40). It's tucked away up a hill. It's easier to find when travelling West towards Mahogany Run.
Ronnie
Man! That Ronnie knows everything!!!
You all are Great! Thanks so much for your info. We will check it out!
Hello Katrhyn,
Its easy to spot the sign if you know where it is..., easy to miss if you don't. Ronnie's directions are right on.
I looked at the link Marty posted and I think its the same place, just a variation of the name. The view in the pictures of Griffin Villa and the description are the same as Sign of the Griffin.
I looked in some of my older books and Sign of the Griffin is listed in 1997, (340)775-1715.
--Islander
My Mom worked there for over 15 yrs. many of the villas were sold to private owners but some still exist.
@rasiva my grandparents, Rob and Ruth Compton, managed the Sign of the Griffin cottages for years, first for Tom Griffen, and later for the independent owners who bought them from Tom They finally built a house of their own above the Griffin cottages and called it Up over. I havent been there since the 1980s. I often wonder whether their home still exists, hoping someone is enjoying it. I don't remember your mother, but I do remember a man who I only knew as Fred. He maintained the grounds for them, and every time I visited he'd meet us at Magens Bay and run up a tree and get me a fresh coconut, slice it open with his machete so I could drink the milk, and then dig out the meat for me! He was a great guy! I hope he's still around and living a long and happy life!
There is a place. The Sign of the Griffin is still there, but I don't know if it's still a guest house. Trying to find it would be a good treasure hunt! There's a small building on the right shortly before the intersection of the Tutu Bypass(40) on the road leading from Mahogany Run or Peace Corp School(42). A hilltop hides it. Traveling West towards Mahogany Run makes it easier to find.
The griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. It is a symbol that has been used in various cultures and contexts throughout history. Here are a few common interpretations and uses of the griffin symbol:
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Guardian and Protector: Griffins are often seen as symbols of strength, courage, and protection. They are frequently used in heraldry as a symbol of a guardian or protector.
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Royalty and Nobility: In some cultures, the griffin is associated with royalty and nobility. It can symbolize power, authority, and regal qualities.
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Combination of Qualities: The griffin combines the attributes of both the lion and the eagle, two powerful and noble animals. It is seen as a symbol of the balance between strength and intelligence.
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Mythological Significance: Griffins have appeared in the mythology of various cultures, including Greek, Persian, and European folklore. They are often depicted as creatures that guard treasures or sacred places.
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Modern Usage: The griffin continues to be used in contemporary art, literature, and popular culture. It is a popular choice for logos, mascots, and other symbolic representations.
If you have a specific context or question related to the "Sign of the Griffin" that you'd like to know more about, please provide additional details, and I'll do my best to assist you further.
