FORUM History Introductory Course 101

[stbartshopper]

What is the story behind the origin of the FORUM? When and how did it start? Who was involved in what capacities?
After resing Kevin’s posts, I learned the FORUM apparently started over 35 years ago? What are some of the funniest posts and stories shared that the “old timers” remember.
It is always interesting to understand how good ideas developed and were brought to fruition. Thank you to all of those involved in the process of making the FORUM what it is today!

 

[Dennis]

Two words: Al Gore.

There was a forum about St Barths but the name escapes me. I think a guy named Peter ran it.

My fuzzy memory is that sort of morphed into this forum.

I dunno....the road goes on forever and the party never ends.

 

[debd]

No historian here, and I’m hoping someone else will fill in, but here’s what I know ....started by Kara and her husband (David?) to share their love of SBH and as foodies. They were both attorneys who, at some point, left their respective practices to start one of the first farm to table restaurants in NW CT. Fabulous, by the way. At some point, with family and restaurant demands, they turned the site over to WIMCO. They graciously hosted us, on one or mor occasions, for an off island SBH forum gathering at the restaurant.

 

[elgreaux]

Peter O'Keefe had a different website, not this one... his was called https://www.st-barths.com
he sold it quite a few years ago and not sure if the new owners, who are at least the second owners since he sold keep it up or not
as far as I know Peter's site did not have a forum but others here can probably answer more fully...

 

[andynap]

You are right Ellen. This site and POKs competed with each other for a while but he gave it up. Did not have a forum. Kara and her husband are moving to Philly soon if not already. Midwest Mike signed on right before me but has left the forum leaving me with the dubious distinction of being the oldest poster, but not age wise, on here.
I have fond memories dining at Kara’ s restaurant privately and at great parties. A large storm did it in.

 

[Dennis]

Thanks Andy and Ellen for the correction.

I guess Peter's website was the first website I landed on while learning about St Barths....somehow, in my fuzzy brain, I thought there was a dotted line to Kara's version.

 

[tom]

I am not an active poster and was trying to determine how long I have been on the forum - certainly sates to Peter O'Keefe who we had the pleasure of meeting one tine we were on St Barths at the Christopher brunch. I was trying to figure out when I joined the forum and decided to post this then it should show me.

 

[Jeanette]

You are right Ellen. This site and POKs competed with each other for a while but he gave it up. Did not have a forum. Kara and her husband are moving to Philly soon if not already. Midwest Mike signed on right before me but has left the form leaving me with the dubious distinction of being the oldest poster, but not age wise, on here.
I have fond memories dining at Kara’ s restaurant privately and at great parties. A large storm did it in.

Philly, really? I know Bob joined a law firm that has a Philly presence. I ran into Kara and Bob in a restaurant in Cambridge a few months ago while they were celebrating their wedding anniversary. I was admiring a very romantic couple drinking sake in the corner and didn't realize it was them until she turned around.

 

[tom]

Well now I see that I am in the same vintage as Andy. Not been on island since 2001 (I don't think that is correct but I have been told that it is. First trip was early 90's. Was maybe a little more active on Peter OK's forum

 

[andynap]

Philly, really? I know Bob joined a law firm that has a Philly presence. I ran into Kara and Bob in a restaurant in Cambridge a few months ago while they were celebrating their wedding anniversary. I was admiring a very romantic couple drinking sake in the corner and didn't realize it was them until she turned around.

Kara and Bob had a recent tragedy in the family and they decided to be close to Bob’s daughter here.

 

[Jeanette]

Oh no, I am very sorry to hear that.

 

[amyb]

Sending warm good wishes to the Brooks family for good health and happiness in their new home.

 

[Bart -my real name-]

I dunno....the road goes on forever and the party never ends.

I know that line/song................great one on both counts!!

 

[Bart -my real name-]

There was also a site called Talk St. Barts, or St. Barts Talk. Something like that. It was pretty active in 2009 when I join this site. Here's all that's left of it now:

http://www.stbartstalk.com/forum/topic5096.html

 

[KevinS]

Before SBHOnline, Phil Stripling had a site which I think had a discussion forum.

 

[GramChop]

I know that line/song................great one on both counts!!

A grand 'ol Texas story about Sonny and Sherry. Thanks Robert Earl Keen. RIP Sonny... eace-sign1:

 

[julianne]

Kevin---you are spot on. Phil Stripling had the discussion group that preceded sbhonline, not Peter O'Keefe. Peter O'Keefe had a wonderful, informative offering but it was very different. Phil Stripling announced he was going to drop St. Barth from his Caribbean forum because it was taking too much of his time and space. Kara Brooks picked up the baton and launched sbhonline. I was in Phil's early forum and signed on to sbhonline in 2002 just after Andy and Midwest Mike but my moniker was Julia. Somehow, my moniker froze in 2003 and I had to re-register as Julianne. Kudos to Kara and Bob for all they did to nurture and sustain the lively discussion group from its early days. I daresay the forum has been responsible for many visitors to the island since it has been a superb source of timely information!

 

[GramChop]

Kevin---you are spot on. Phil Stripling had the discussion group that preceded sbhonline, not Peter O'Keefe. Peter O'Keefe had a wonderful, informative offering but it was very different. Phil Stripling announced he was going to drop St. Barth from his Caribbean forum because it was taking too much of his time and space. Kara Brooks picked up the baton and launched sbhonline. I was in Phil's early forum and signed on to sbhonline in 2002 just after Andy and Midwest Mike but my moniker was Julia. Somehow, my moniker froze in 2003 and I had to re-register as Julianne. Kudos to Kara and Bob for all they did to nurture and sustain the lively discussion group from its early days. I daresay the forum has been responsible for many visitors to the island since it has been a superb source of timely information!

...and the catalyst for many a-great friendships!

 

[Izzy]

Civilized Explorer was Phil Stripling's site (I think).

Some may find it interesting to review his (I think) reports that still can be accessed about St Barth from ~1995-2003.

Civilized Explorer

 

[Bart -my real name-]

A grand 'ol Texas story about Sonny and Sherry. Thanks Robert Earl Keen. RIP Sonny... eace-sign1:

A few months ago I saw Robert Earl Keen and his old buddy Lyle Lovett doing a solo acoustic show. It was just the two of them and their guitars swapping songs and swapping stories. It was a wonderful show and as you know, both those guys are hilarious!

They've done tours like this before, so keep an eye out. The tickets were very pricey but very worth it!