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.
I seem to recall Dad saying that he did not propose to Mum. He made the proposal to his future father in law, Lawrence!
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.
Oughterson, St Philip, Barbados, 5th January, 1948. LR standing: Wendy Farmer, Harold Davis, Unknown lady, Hilton Ward. Sitting: Herbert and Marjorie Davis
Barbados, Oughterson, 5th January, 1948. Herbert and Marjorie.
Herbert grew up on a plantation in St Andrew, Barbados. Even though his parents were not wealthy, he lived a privileged life and he never had to take care of himself. His father, Malcolm, had seen hardship as a young man. As an estate manager, Malcolm was cash poor but lived a comfortable life. In turn, Herbert was lucky that his food was cooked, his clothes were washed, and his shoes were brushed by maids. He never washed a dish or mowed a lawn. He spent his days exploring the hills of the Scotland District. He would ride a horse or a bicycle or just run where he wanted to go. Even when Herbert started working as an entry level bank clerk, his great aunts looked after him. Money was always scarce, but he was always catered to.
Herbert remembered riding bareback with his younger cousin Clinton Gill, b. 1929. (Clinton was a nephew of F. F. C. Fitz Gill.) They would ride to Cherry Tree Hill, where he recalls a Mr. Cuke being in charge. He remembers running up and down the grand mahogany stairway. Dad was almost six foot tall but as a young man he was under a hundred and thirty pounds. As a youth he said most of his weight was in his legs which were very muscular.
Herbert’s dislike of firearms stemmed from an early incident with his father, Malcolm. In the old days, windows had no insect screens. Most people slept under mosquito nets which were suspended over the beds. Malcolm lived in a rural area and felt that he should be able to protect his family. He slept with a loaded semi-automatic pistol under his pillow.
One night Herbert felt scared and went to his father’s bedside. He lifted his hands and put them on his Dad’s mosquito net. Malcolm awoke. The shadow of Herbert’s raised hands and body caused Malcom to think that there was a tall intruder over his bed. Malcolm jammed the muzzle of the pistol into Herbert’s abdomen.
“Who goes there?” Malcolm shouted with great emotion. I imagine that the pistol was ready to fire and that his finger was on the trigger.
Herbert identified himself. Even though the danger subsided, young Herbert never forgot.
My late Dad’s birthday is soon approaching, and I thought it would be a good time to publish a memorial to him. I am starting by sharing the earliest photos I have of him. I would be grateful for any additional information on the photos.
Early Life at River, St Andrew, Barbados
Clarence Fitzherbert McCarthy Davis, my father, was born in Barbados on the 25th of October, 1923. His parents were Malcolm McCarthy Davis and (Amy) Kathleen Harding. I think Malcolm was the manager of River Plantation, and Kathleen was a housewife, or home maker. Below is the earliest photo I have of Herbert.
Barbados, c. 1923: Kathleen, baby Herbert and MalcolmBarbados, c. 1926. LR: Malcolm, toddler Herbert and Kathleen
The exact location of the photos above and below are unknown, but the hills in the background suggest the Scotland District. I have a note indicating it was River Plantation, St Andrew which was affiliated with Bawdens, mentioned later. This makes sense as Herbert’s younger brother, Harold, was born at River on 31st July 1926.
River Plantation, c. 1926. LR: Standing: Unidentified couple, Kathleen, Malcolm, Rita, Harry Ward and wife Edith Seated: Gladys, Dibbon (holding Herbert), … Rita, Gladys and Dibbon are Malcolm’s sisters. Edith is Kathleen’s sister.
The photograph below may have been taken at Bawden’s Plantation in St Andrew, Barbados. It will be of interest to my Gill and Harding relatives, as the caption identifies Kiturah who was a Gill as well as a few Hardings. Herbert is the toddler (babe-in-arms) held by Ermine Banfield. Ermine was my first cousin, twice removed.
Standing: Malcolm and Kathleen Davis (Herbert’s parents), Kiturah (nee Gill, Malcolm’s mother), baby Herbert Davis, Ermine Banfield (dau of Elliot), Rita and Gladys Davis (Malcolm’s sisters), Lolita Davis (unknown), Edgar Welch (married Rita), Dibbon Davis (Malcolm’s sister), Leslie Harding (Kathleen’s brother), Robert Fitzherbert Davis (Malcolm’s father), Clarence Harding (Kathleen’s father)
Sitting: Edith Harding and Elise Ward (Kathleen’s sisters), _____ Bynoe, Lucy Harding and Mildred Harding (almost entirely hidden), Mary Harding, Marguerite Harding (last 3 probably all Leslie’s daughters) and Grace Harding (behind, probably Leslie’s wife, nee Bynoe)
Photo taken by Bob Ward at (I guess) Bawdens and River Plantation, St. Andrew, Barbados. My notes suggest that Bawdens was purchased by F. F. C. (Fitz) Gill on June 22, 1917 for £13,000! Fitz Gill was Granny Kathleen’s uncle.
Back row: Hilton Seale, boy of 13?, old man 65+, middle aged man, Malcolm Davis (about 40?), old man (dark tan) planter? 65+, middle aged man
Front row: Doris Seale, Herbert in lap, with two other small children, unknown 35? yr old lady with child in lap, Amy Kathleen (nee Harding) Davis, Sylvia Streat 40, husband Gordon Harding?
I am going to stick an extra photo here. It is hard to believe that my grandfather once had hair! Can anyone identify the house?
Anthony was a Barbados Scholar and was accepted by Cambridge University in England to study Civil Engineering. He attended Churchill College. As boys, we were always rowing small boats, and at Cambridge he took up rowing competitively.
Around this time he met and fell in love with Sarah Warsap. They were soon married.
After graduating with honours, Anthony secured employment with a Civil Engineering partnership in London, England.
He and Sarah soon had two sons. I believe that at this time he was a deacon in the local Church of England. Since birth, he had always been the good son.
When I was 12, we went with our parents to America. This trip was Herbert’s “Long Leave,” as he was required to travel north every few years.
New York – Anthony with Marjorie and great uncle Leo
This photo below was taken at great uncle Leo’s and great aunt Ida’s home in Brooklyn. I was breathing out trying to see the vapour condense from my breath, something that we had never seen in Barbados!
About 1962 – Brooklyn, New York, USA: Anthony and Ian
Brooklyn, New York, USA: Anthony, Marjorie and Ian
The photo below was taken at Plymouth, Crane, St. Philip, Barbados. In the background is the ravine, then the cliff and then the blue rough sea. We had a flight of concrete steps down to a secluded beach. My grandfather, Laurence, rented Plymouth every year.
Plymouth, Barbados: Ian with Laurence and Philip Cheeseman, Malcolm, Anthony and Ione Cheeseman
This was taken at Bohemia, 10th Avenue, Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados. The steps lead to the front door. The walk gate and driveway gate are visible. Behind the fence is the 10th Avenue with its’ massive “Cabbage Palms.” We are in front of a rose bed. To the right of the photo there is an orchid, and to the left a Periwinkle. The Periwinkles grew wild on my father’s land in St. Andrew.
Bohemia: Anthony in suit and Ian in school uniform
This is Anthony on the East Coast of Barbados. We loved to explore and run around these beaches and hills.
Anthony Herbert Davis was born in Barbados in 1949. I think he was born in a house with Lodge in the name just north of Bridgetown. Our family was Anglican, so infant baptism was mandated. Here is a photo of Anthony’s Christening.
1949 Barbados: Malcolm, Kathleen, Marjorie with baby Anthony, Amy, Herbert, Laurence, Wendy Farmer and unknown gentlemanKathleen holding Anthony and Malcolm
I have no idea where the following three photos were taken.
Ian and Anthony
Herbert, Marjorie, Ian and Anthony
Barbados: Marjorie and Anthony
I believe this was taken at Constant, Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados. I recall a barber visiting us. He was a Cheeseman, and he was known as Dummy because he was unable to speak.
Anthony, Herbert, Ian and barber
This is probably Constant, Belleville again. Anthony appears to be feeding Ian.
When they first moved to St. Vincent, Herbert and Marjorie rented a home on a beach facing Young Island. We boys enjoyed swimming, rowing and fishing. On weekends, Dad would take us sailing.
One remarkable story is that when Prince Charles, son of Queen Elizabeth II, visited St. Vincent he spent some time at this house. My mother prepared the house for his visit and then stayed away until he left. She said she painted the word Britannia on our dingy, the tender for our sailboat. She said Prince Philip actually went rowing in it.
The next home was also rented. “Tally Ho” was a little further from the beach, but it was still only a short walk away. Ken and Phyllis Punnett had a beautiful home nearby, but I do not know where this was taken.
St. Vincent: Marjorie, Ronnie and Phyllis Punnett
The last home in St. Vincent was “Ho Bohemia.” This was built by Herbert. It had a commanding view, including the sea and neighbouring islands.
Ho Bohemia, above Calliaqua, St. Vincent
Herbert used to have his hair cut by an itinerate barber, but here is something unexpected.
Ho Bohemia: Marjorie cutting Herbert’s hair
Marjorie was very active in the Mothers’ Union. This group may be affiliated:
St. Vincent: Marjorie and another lady
This is a family reunion. Anthony and family are visiting from England, Ian’s and Ronnie’s families from Barbados. Laurence was living with my parents after Amy passed.
Ho Bohemia: Dominic, Ian, Herbert, Sarah, Marjorie, Ronnie, Anthony, Kathy, Daniel, Laurence and Sandra
Grannie Marjorie enjoys her first two grandchildren.
Ho Bohemia: Marjorie, Daniel and Dominic
Marjorie did not enjoy sailing because of the intense sun. She did enjoy being outdoors though.
Herbert enjoyed his childhood in St. Andrew. He grew up at Haggats Plantation, a 500 acre sugar cane farm managed by his father, Malcolm. Haggats bordered Walkers Plantation, owned by Marjorie’s father.
This appears to be a picnic to Lakes, St. Andrew. Sugar cane planters wore pith helmets, which they called “cork hats.” Despite their rigidity, these hats were light and gave good protection from the tropical sun. Herbert is wearing his cork hat.
Lakes, St. Andrew, Barbados. Bottom left: Herbert and MarjorieEngagement Photo of Herbert And Marjorie
Herbert and Marjorie married in 1948. Marjorie would have been about 21, and Herbert about 25 years old.
Wedding 1948. Standing: Wendy Farmer, Harold Davis, unknown, Hilton Ward? Sitting: Herbert and Marjorie
Below is another wedding photograph.
Wendy Farmer, Herbert, Marjorie, Harold and unknown lady
I loved the old country homes. I don’t know where this is.
Wedding reception, 1948: Malcolm, Kathleen, Laurence, Herbert, Marjorie, Amy and maid in uniform.
In those days, maids always wore uniforms.
Anthony was born in 1949, followed by Ian in 1951.
Herbert, Marjorie, Ian and AnthonyCirca 1953, Marjorie with the author, Ian
Seawell Airport (later renamed Grantley Adams International Airport) was an important connection to the world outside of Barbados. Marjorie is on the left below.
Circa 1955, Seawell Airport, Barbados. Squatting: Clarence Rogers, Ian Davis, William Toppin, Anthony Davis, can’t recognize last four. In the next row up, I think I recognize Gerald and Cecelia Seale. I think I see some Bethels too!
If you can identify anyone in the photo above, I would be grateful if you would contact me.
Marjorie Daphne Farmer was born in 1927 to Lawrence and Amy Farmer. She married Herbert Davis in 1948. Herbert and Marjorie had three sons: Anthony, Ian and Ronnie.
Herbert, Ian, Marjorie, Ron and Anthony
Marjorie Farmer (Davis)- Early Years
I have very few early photographs of my mother, but here they are:
Marjorie and George
Marjorie was born in 1927 at Walkes Spring, St. Thomas, Barbados and George was born at River, St. Philip, Barbados. Can anyone identify the location of this photograph?
The East Coast of Barbados is the windward side of the island. A good strong Atlantic breeze is normal, making this location the favourite vacation spot for the planters.
Bathsheba, East Coast of Barbados: Marjorie and George
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Back of photo above
Below is a photo of Florence May (Taylor) Farmer with grandchildren Marjorie and George. Florence was born 1875 in St. Philip. She was the daughter of John Robert Taylor and Sarah Rebecca Cuke. Florence married Joseph Alleyne Farmer. Their son was Marjorie’s father, George Laurence Farmer, born 1892.
Marjorie, Florence May Farmer and George
Marjorie and George’s father, Laurence (Longfellow) Farmer bought Walkers Plantation in St. Andrew. It was geographically the largest plantation in Barbados, but the soil was poor and subject to erosion. Marjorie would have been about eight years old.
Walkers Plantation, St. Andrew, Barbados
I am sharing these photographs with my family, and I would be grateful if others would do the same.
Later I will be writing a memorial to my grandparents, so there will be more old photos.
