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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Bohemia, Belleville: Marjorie and Herbert
Marjorie with Anthony
We were close to Bridgetown, and I recall my father coming home for lunch!
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.
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.
Marjorie Davis
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.
Marjorie with infant
I am going to take a wild guess and say that the photo below was taken at Plymouth, Crane, St. Philip.
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.
Herbert was transferred to the nearby island of St. Vincent. Herbert had a sailboat, “Aurora.” I believe this group is seeing him off.
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
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.
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.
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.
Amy, George, Marjorie and Laurence Farmer
Can you identify any of Marjorie’s team mates?
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.
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.
