Herbert Davis, 1923 – 1996 Chapter I

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.

mmd4 — Barbados, c. 1923: Kathleen, baby Herbert and Malcolm

cfdmmd — Barbados, 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.

mmdkat — 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.

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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.

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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?

herb2 — Barbados, c. 1926: Malcolm holding Herbert

Continue reading “Herbert Davis, 1923 – 1996 Chapter I”

August 6, 2017March 13, 2021

Anthony Davis (1949-2009) Chapter V

Cambridge University

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.

September 2, 2016March 13, 2021

Anthony Davis (1949-2009) Chapter IV

St. Vincent

Our father, Herbert, had a wooden sailboat called Aurora. I think it was about twenty seven feet long. When Herbert was tasked with opening a new branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in St. Vincent, he was not going to leave his boat in Barbados!

Sailing from Barbados to St. Vincent in 1964

05_Family_Slides_024 — Circa 1964 – Aurora entering Careenage, Bridgetown, Barbados

The above shows Aurora entering the Careenage, Bridgetown. Herbert kept the boat at the Royal Barbados Yacht Club, as it was then known. The boat was brought to Bridgetown to do the required paperwork before leaving for St. Vincent.

St. Vincent was a hundred miles away across deep open ocean. Herbert made the trip navigating with a compass and a transistor radio!

I strongly desired to go on this adventure, but I was only thirteen and I had a habit of falling overboard!

Circa 1964 – Careenage, Barbados: Anthony, Herbert and Harold Jones

At fifteen Anthony was chosen to crew. The others were Jacques Baldini, cousin Harold Jones and of course, Herbert.

Circa 1964 – St. Vincent: Anthony, Jacques Baldini, Herbert in front of Harold Jones

Life in St. Vincent

Most of our school days were spent at our grandparents’ home, Windermere, in St. John, Barbados. We did fly to St. Vincent for most vacations. There we had many friends and enjoyed the parties and the fishing.

Anthony and the lush Vincentian vegetation

“Tally Ho”, St. Vincent: Herbert, Ian, Marjorie, Ronnie and Anthony

August 29, 2016March 13, 2021

Anthony Davis (1949-2009) Chapter III

School Play

Barbados was once a British colony, and the dominant culture was English. When we were in school we held British passports, and many Barbadians thought of themselves as English. This influenced the educational system, and we would take exams from Oxford and Cambridge on graduation.

In this vein, Lodge was a boys’ school, based on the English public schools. It was described as similar to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

As a little boy, I was very impressed that Anthony always came first in his class. Firstly it was very difficult to get into Lodge. Secondly students were divided into an A stream and a B stream, and Anthony was in the A stream. He became “Head Boy” and was accepted by Cambridge University in England.

Shakespearian plays were the norm at Lodge. Below Anthony is playing Julius Caesar. (On another occasion I recall he played Calpurnia.)
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Above: The third person from the left may be Clive Davies from Britain.

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August 29, 2016March 13, 2021

Anthony Davis (1949-2009) Chapter II

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.

04_Plymouth_Slides_001 — 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.

June 27, 2016March 13, 2021

Anthony Davis (1949-2009) Chapter I

Early Years

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.

tonychristnp — 1949 Barbados: Malcolm, Kathleen, Marjorie with baby Anthony, Amy, Herbert, Laurence, Wendy Farmer and unknown gentleman

I have no idea where the following three photos were taken.

DFAM — Herbert, Marjorie, Ian and Anthony

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.

anti2 — Anthony, Herbert, Ian and barber

This is probably Constant, Belleville again. Anthony appears to be feeding Ian.

Here is Anthony holding baby Ronnie.

June 24, 2016

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter VI

Later Years

Herbert died in 1996 and it became easier for his wife Marjorie to travel.

When I (Ian) was exploring Wales, I came across the Ty Cook Farm. It was also a Bed and Breakfast. This old house reminded me of the “Plantation Great Houses” in Barbados. I enjoyed my visit so much that I returned with my family in 1998.

1998 Ty Cook, Wales: Marjorie, Laura, Kathy, Ian, Michelle, Joanna and Peter

Mummy loved to go on vacations with us. We were headed down to Merlin’s Cave in Cornwall, England when she asked us to take a photo in front of this sign!

grandan — 1998 Near Merlin’s Cave, North Cornwall, England: Marjorie and Peter

In 2002, Marjorie attended the wedding of Summer her eldest granddaughter. This photo was taken at Bakers Plantation which was owned by Summer’s maternal grandparents.

2002 Bakers Plantation: Sharon, Anthony, Marjorie, Summer and George

Here we are on the beach of Craigwell. Spion Kop would be on the right. Craigwell and Spion Kop were owned by Kingsland Estates Ltd. Kathy used to live at Spion Kop.

033_30A — 2002, Craigwell, Barbados: Marjorie watches Kathy and four children swimming

In 2003, Marjorie went with Ian’s family to Yosemite National Park in California. I am looking for those photos.

These were taken on 5th June 2005. Marjorie held a party for her family at the Crane Hotel.

2005 Crane Hotel: Kathy, Joanna, Laura, Peter, Anthony, Marjorie, Madge, Michelle, Sharon and her daughter

2005 Crane Hotel, Barbados: Ronnie, Anthony, Marjorie and Ian with Crane Beach in the background

This is Marjorie’s apartment in Barbados. The mahogany furniture is the same that I grew up with!

14th June 2005, Barbados: Marjorie with her tanned grandchildren – Peter, Joanna, Laura and Michelle

In late May of 2009, Marjorie flew from Texas to Miami.

Marjorie’s granddaughter married Ben in 2009.

May 2009 Waco, Texas: Madge and Marjorie watch Ben and Michelle cut the wedding cake

Mummy was always game to try new things. Below we are eating at Rudy’s where there are no plates – the food is served on a sheet of grease proofed paper!

May 2009 Rudy’s, Waco, Texas: Ron, Marjorie and Madge

After flying from Barbados to Texas, Marjorie went to Miami, Florida. This was taken at Ian and Kathy’s home in Kendall, Miami. Christine Baldini was visiting and here she is showing Marjorie some photos on her camera.

Marjorie then flew with Ian to London, England to celebrate the eightieth birthday of her brother George. The party was on the 6th of June, 2009.

Marjorie also visited her family in England.

June 2009, England: Marjorie with her grand nieces, Penny’s childre

June 22, 2016

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter V

St. Vincent

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.

01_Bellville_Crane_Slides_013 — 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.

Herbert used to have his hair cut by an itinerate barber, but here is something unexpected.

07_Our_Family_Slides_008 — Ho Bohemia: Marjorie cutting Herbert’s hair

Marjorie was very active in the Mothers’ Union. This group may be affiliated:

08_Family_Slides_017 — 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.

07_Our_Family_Slides_013 — 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.

Marjorie probably on Herbert’s boat, Cecily M.

Next: Later years

June 22, 2016

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter V

St. Vincent

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.

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.

Herbert used to have his hair cut by an itinerate barber, but here is something unexpected.

Marjorie was very active in the Mothers’ Union. This group may be affiliated:

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.

Grannie Marjorie enjoys her first two grandchildren.

Marjorie did not enjoy sailing because of the intense sun. She did enjoy being outdoors though.

Next: Later years

June 21, 2016

Marjorie Davis (1927-2010) Chapter IV

Marjorie’s Family Years in Barbados

My recollections of my parents start in Belleville, where we lived on the 10th avenue. We first lived at “Constant”, a two story wooden home. Then we moved to “Bohemia”, which was close to George Street. Below Marjorie and Herbert in the backyard of Bohemia. The concrete wall runs along 10th Avenue. Behind the wall are towering palms. We called them Cabbage Palms, but their scientific name is Roystonea oleracea. They bore a “broom” which was used by our maid.

bellevl — Bohemia, Belleville: Marjorie and Herbert

We were close to Bridgetown, and I recall my father coming home for lunch!

davisfamilyr — Bohemia, Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados: Marjorie and Herbert with Anthony and Ronnie. Our Julie mango tree is in the background.

Here is an extended family photo taken in Barbados.

Malcolm, can’t recognize the next two, Kathleen, Teddy Jones, Marjorie

Laurence’s sisters were Helen Farmer, Katy Jones and May Marshall. Teddy and Katy’s daughter Audrey was married to Louis Seale.

08_Family_Slides_005 — Marjorie, two I don’t recognise, Dorothy May, Laurence, Helen, Katy and son Harold Jones, Mona Watson?, May Marshall with sons John Anthony and David, Maureen, and in the foreground Louis Seale.

This is a nice photo of my mother, but I don’t know the story behind it.

As a condition of his employment at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Herbert had to take a “long leave” every few years. The only stipulation that he was to head north to Canada or the US. My parents used to say with Dad’s uncle Leo in Brooklyn, New York. Leo’s wife Ida is on the left below.

New York, USA: Ida Davis, Ian, Marjorie, Herbert and Anthony

Here is another unknown photo.

I am going to take a wild guess and say that the photo below was taken at Plymouth, Crane, St. Philip.

07_Our_Family_Slides_024 — Barbados: Marjorie, Ronnie and Ian

The photo below was probably taken on the south coast of Barbados. Marjorie is with her nieces, George’s girls.

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Herbert was transferred to the nearby island of St. Vincent. Herbert had a sailboat, “Aurora.” I believe this group is seeing him off.

05_Family_Slides_017 — Careenage, Bridgetown: Ronnie, Christine, Marjorie and Herve inspecting the water

Below is a family reunion at Windermere, St. John, Barbados. Herbert, Marjorie and Ronnie would be visiting from St. Vincent.

Windermere: Back row: Pat, Sarah, Ronnie, Kathleen, Herbert, Marjorie, Laurence, George Front row: Anthony, Ann, Penny, Amy and Alison

Next: St. Vincent