Romance and Marriage

Marjorie Davis was the daughter of Lawrence (Longfellow) and Amy Farmer. Lawrence was a Planter and owned Walkers Plantation in St Andrew. They would have had similar conservative upbringings. Below is a photo of a picnic in Lakes, St Andrew. I think Dad and Mum are in the front left. Planters wore pith helmets, locally referred to as cork hats, as protection from the tropical sun.

lakes

I seem to recall Dad saying that he did not propose to Mum. He made the proposal to his future father in law, Lawrence!

mumengage — Barbados, c. 1947: Herbert, 24, and Marjorie, 20, pose for a photo to mark their engagement.

After he was engaged, Herbert went to visit some close family members who had a beautiful rose garden. As far as I can remember the story, Herbert drove there with a few too many drinks on board. He drove his old V8 Ford sports car with its wooden floorboards straight into the rose garden. He then tried to drive out, but his wheels just spun, throwing dirt and digging dreadful ruts. Herbert said he was embarrassed. He was a very sociable person and he was very popular. He got over it.

Herbert and Marjorie were married on 5th January, 1948.

cfdwed — Oughterson, St Philip, Barbados, 5th January, 1948. LR standing: Wendy Farmer, Harold Davis, Unknown lady, Hilton Ward. Sitting: Herbert and Marjorie Davis

hermarjwed — Barbados, Oughterson, 5th January, 1948. Herbert and Marjorie.