Embedded high up on the wall of an old Danish great house at Estate Friedensborg, which was soon to be torn down, landmarks members discovered the beautiful carved figure of a mermaid.  The sculpture was salvaged and moved to Whim Plantation.  It is now located just behind the cookhouse and the adjacent exhibits room.

 

Her story has come down to us through Cruzan folklore, telling of an old Dane who owned some property on a hill above the water course which used to run just below. He was short of money, but long on romance, and fell in love with an enticing mermaid he found swimming there. She offered to show him where he could uncover some treasure. This she did. He was overjoyed, for now he could build himself an estate house he had always hoped for high on the hill. When the house was finished, in gratitude he had her image carved out of solid coral rock and placed in the wall for all to see. Then, to celebrate, he gave a big party for his friends, but failed to invite his beloved mermaid, thinking she would not be able to leave her watery home.

 

When she heard the sound of people celebrating, up the hill she came, and in womanly anger immediately placed a spell on him. Then she slithered back down the hill and swam back out to sea, never to be heard from again. Death came swiftly to the old Dane.

 

Discussed in Plantation Life - 18th Century Granduer - St. Croix Under Seven Flags by Florence Lewisohn � 1970