Herbert Davis, 1923 – 1996 Chapter III

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.

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

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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.

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

 

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

 

 

 

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter II

Marjorie at High School

This photograph was taken of Marjorie when she was attending Codrington High School, St. John, Barbados. CHS was a private school for girls. This school was quite far from Walkers, St. Andrew, but my grandparents valued education.

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Marjorie at High School

George attended Lodge School, which was within walking distance of Codrington High School. Here is the Farmer family. George is wearing his Lodge blazer and tie.

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Amy, George, Marjorie and Laurence Farmer

 

Can you identify any of Marjorie’s team mates?

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CHS Netball Team. Marjorie Farmer in glasses.

I cannot identify Marjorie in the photo below, but I am fairly sure that it was taken at Codrington High School.

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Codrington High School, St. John, Barbados

Next: Marjorie and Herbert

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter I

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.

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Herbert, Ian, Marjorie, Ron and Anthony

 

 

Marjorie Farmer (Davis)- Early Years

I have very few early photographs of my mother, but here they are:

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

Next: Marjorie at High School