the dowdie news gazette volume 1, issue 4

The Dowdie News Gazette Volume 1, Issue 4 April, 2011

2011 Family Reunion Newsletter Published: 4/27/2011

"Know from whence you came because if you know from whence you came, there is no limit to where you can go." -James Baldwin

Counting down… It is 90 days (and counting) to our Historical Dowdie Family Event. Will YOU be there?

Many people have indicated and have begun to plan for the reunion, however it is NOT reflected in the registration forms received, to date. If you have not done so already, please print, complete, and return your Reunion Registration form, in order for the committee to begin planning the events, ASAP. We have placed calls, however, we have not been able to contact everyone and each day that goes by is one less day for planning. If you are unable to attend, we ask that you submit your registration form so we can update our records and confirm the information on the family tree is accurate.

SOME OF THE FAMILY THAT I HAVE MET ALONG MY JOURNEY

I had the wonderful experience of meeting new family members while researching this family line. Early in this process, I had to consider alternative ways of searching for Dowdie relatives and I decided to try my luck with the Jamaica White Pages. There were numerous Dowdies listed and my mother was able to confirm some of the names, one of which was Eulpyn Dowdie, her first cousin. She proceeded to update me with the fact that

Eulpyn’s father was Lewis Dowdie, son of David “Bignal” Dowdie. My mother shared memories of her younger days when her uncle (Lewis) traveled to Niagara on a donkey to visit the family. He brought fruits and ground provisions to his brother (Stanley) and sisters (Agnes & Muriel). His visits were usually one week, and

mom remembered meeting Eulpyn and his brother Junior aka Comfitan, when Uncle Lewis visited. The first time I heard about Comfitan was when I visited my uncle (John Dowdie). He and mom began reminiscing about their memories of their uncle (Lewis) and I had a healthy laugh when Uncle John mentioned Comfitan. I thought I was not hearing correctly as I found it to be an odd name for a child (lord knows there are a lot of uncommon names in the family), so I asked Uncle to repeat the name. When I was finally able to control my laughter, Uncle explained that Comfitan was the name everyone knew him as. As the story goes, he was the first child born to his mother, who had five unsuccessful pregnancies; on the sixth attempt, his mother was successful with a full-term pregnancy. She gave birth to twins (a boy and a girl), however, the girl was stillborn and although he was tiny, the boy survived. When the ordeal was over, someone exclaimed “this one come fi tan”…hence, his pet name.

My initial conversation with Cousin Eulpyn was pleasant, as he provided me with the names of his seven siblings: Egbert, Theresa, Junior, Joanne, Vevean, Segrid, and Samuel. All the siblings are alive with the exception of Samuel; and all reside in Jamaica with the exception of Segrid, who lives in Florida. I have had the pleasure of visiting with Cousin Eulpyn multiple times. My first visit was in July 2009 and my companions were my mom (of course ) and uncles (Lincoln and Schofield). It was a great visit as Cousin Eulpyn shared his photo albums with me and told me about his children and grandchildren. He has a variety of fruit trees on his property, including mango, orange, guava, lime, sugar cane, peas, and plantain; and as luck would have it, it was mango season. He made a “fancy” picker out of a bucket and stick to jook mangoes off the tree for us. It was a Tuesday, Cousin Eulpyn’s soup day, and he had prepared a small pot of peas soup; mom and Uncle Schofield enjoyed a serving, while I helped myself to a sweet Julie mango.




The next visit was in February 2010 and this time our posse included mom, Uncle John, Aunt Veronica (aka Dots), and Judy. We traveled to Jamaica to attend the funeral of Muriel Roache, nee Dowdie who died at the age of 102. Needless to say, countless relatives and friends traveled from the U. S., Canada, and England to pay their last respects to the centenarian whom everyone referred to as Aunt Muriel. After the ceremonies, we decided to pay Cousin Eulpyn a visit. He and Comfitan awaited our arrival and it was a reunion of sorts, as the cousins had not seen each other for many years. It was not Cousin Eulpyn’s soup day (Tuesday), so we snacked on Juicy beef patties; and of course it’s not a Dowdie event, if no one is having a strong drink. Our visit lasted a couple hours; and I was in a state of euphoria as I listened to the elders reminisce about days past. I treasure moments like this as I am blessed to hear stories about those who are no longer with us. We departed Cousin Eulpyn’s residence at dusk, to make our way up the hills back to St. James.

Our most recent visit was August 2010, as Cousin Eulpyn was gracious enough to host a mini Dowdie reunion (as described in Newsletter - Issue 2). His sister, Segrid, had plans to travel to Jamaica in order to re-tomb her mother’s grave and we decided to synchronize our travel plans, in order to combine the two events. The siblings present for the mini reunion were Eulpyn, Segrid and Comfitan. Joanne and Vevean were unable to attend and Egbert’s wife and children were there to represent. I was able to meet a lot of “new” Dowdie cousins, including Facebook friend Kersha Clarke and Lunce Dowdie, (Eulpyn’s nieces). This event was better than I expected, as there were cousins from various branches in attendance.




LUNCE

I am not the only one who was interested in the Dowdie connection. If you happen to be on Facebook, you may be a friend of Lunce Dowdie, Comfitan’s daughter. Lunce used Facebook to connect with family and was quite successful with liking up with countless Dowdie’s. Lunce attends UTECH and is a Defender on her football team. Very recently, Lunce informed me that she was granted a Visa to work in Wisconsin for the summer. Let us pray that Lunce will be granted leave from work and join us in Florida, in July.

When I learned that Segrid lived in Florida, I was anxious to call and introduce myself. She was equally as excited for the call and has expressed her gratitude for the role that I have taken upon myself. Segrid said she was interested in knowing the family, but did not know how to proceed with the research. Mom and Segrid linked up on the phone and to mom’s surprise, she received a box in the mail that contained four mangoes from Segrid’s tree. In August 2009, while in Florida, Rohan Roache (cousin) and I visited Segrid and her family. It was a short visit as we arrived later than anticipated, due to unplanned stops on our way to Miami. Although the visit was short, it was sweet and I was happy to meet my cousins: Alex, Khadian and Tresha, in person (Khadian and Tresha are my Facebook friends).




OUR FAMILY AFFAIR

During 2009, I realized that it was time that the family should come together and celebrate our Dowdie heritage. As I phoned family throughout the year, both to introduce myself and collect information for the family tree, I mentioned the possibility of a family reunion in 2011. The year ended with me feeling the huge responsibility of planning and executing our first family reunion. In February 2010, it was announced to the family in the form of a flyer that highlighted the children of David “Bignal” Dowdie. At the time, the intent was to have a celebration to unite the offspring of Bignal. As mentioned in a previous issue, I learned in August 2010 that the Dowdie brood was bigger than I thought as our patriarch, Peter Dowdie, fathered 29 children. As such, this is a project that I am currently working on and will continue, well after the reunion.

WHO: The invitation is extended to all Dowdie family-from the oldest in-law to the youngest baby-and friends.

WHAT: A multi-generational affair filled with memories sure to last a lifetime, and a foundation for ongoing traditions that our families will grow to enjoy and adapt with each passing year.

WHEN: July 20 – 24, 2011. Please feel free to come before and/or stay after. Make this your summer vacation and THE EVENT never to be forgotten.

WHERE: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Initially, I thought of having the reunion in Jamaica, however, after discussions with key relatives, I decided for all intents and purposes, Florida was the best place.

HOW: Having a theme will allow for easier planning and make the reunion more fun. Our theme will be Hawaiian, as it will add a tropical effect. Our Hawaiian celebration will begin upon arrival as relatives will receive traditional Hawaiian lei from our welcoming committee and the celebration will continue through to the Luau, on Saturday night. We will incorporate the tropics in our planning, from the decorations to the food choices.

WHY: To establish a not to be missed event with theme nights and lots of historical family moments. It is customary to have a meet and greet on the arrival date, however, given the fact that we will have relatives traveling from Europe, I thought it would be best to allow everyone to rest, before the fun begins. This will enable everyone to partake in all activities without, worrying about being jet lagged.

“Part of Hawaiian culture, ‘ohana - means family, in an extended sense of the term including blood-related, adoptive or intentional. It emphasizes that family are bound together and members must cooperate and remember one another.”

SHANEICE

Shaneice, the granddaughter of Comfitan, also used Facebook to aid in her search to connect with her family. In mid 2010, I received a message on Facebook from Shaneice Silvera, who was desperately trying to connect with her family. Mom and I were able to meet Shaneice, in August 2010. Shaneice is blessed with the Dowdie brain and is quite intelligent and talented.




It is time for us to end the trend of meeting at funerals and weddings, where we promise to stay in touch, but do not, because “life gets in the way. Let us start a new trend, so the elders can share their stories and the young ones can learn about their history and background. It can also be a great networking opportunity. Family activities are planned for each day of the reunion and there is time allowed for those who care to venture off on their own. The Reunion Committee will plan additional activities, including a pajama party where our special invited guests will be the children. This will be another great opportunity for them to bond with their newly found cousins, while the parents bond with theirs. For the beach bums, we plan to have a trip to the South Beach; and for the shopaholics, a trip to the one of largest discount malls (Sawgrass Mills), will be on the agenda. Not to exclude those who prefer to have a drink in hand and just relax, we will also have cards, dominos, Ludo and the like. We also plan to venture to Hard Rock Casino to experience their nightlife.

REUNION SCHEDULE

July 20th: Arrivals/Welcome Package

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the Welcoming Committee and receive a traditional Hawaiian lei and your welcome package. Your package will include all the necessary tools required to ensure a fun-filled weekend (including: T-shirt, handbook, instructions, and other paraphernalia).

July 21st: Devotion/Breakfast/Meet & Greet/Family Tree Presentation

Our first family gathering will begin with Devotion to kick off the events, followed by breakfast where we will have a meet and greet session. After breakfast, our family tree, that illustrates, as many generations of the family as possible, will be displayed on a wall. The family tree will be a record of the event and is a good source of genealogical information. You will also have a visual representation of the family structure, our history and your place in it.

July 22nd: Lunch/Dowdie Fun Day

We have reserved space at Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park in Fort Lauderdale, where we will celebrate our Dowdie Fun Day. Our lunch will be catered and we plan to have an afternoon filled with fun and games (including but not limited to: bounce-a-about for kids, egg toss, hula hoop, volleyball, basketball, tennis, tug-of-war, and water balloon toss).

July 23rd: Banquet/Luau/Party/Presentation of awards

Our final night will be a luau and if you are able to, please dress in Hawaiian attire.

Throughout the night, we will present certificates and awards to relatives for the following categories:

• The oldest and youngest family members • Who traveled the least and greatest distances to attend • Youngest grandparents • Couple with the most children or grandchildren

Trophies will also be awarded to winners from our Dowdie Fun Day, in each age group-including people as old as 90+!

July 24th: Family Worship/Brunch/Farewell

The saying is true that a family that prays together stays together and our final family gathering will be a worship session. After our worship session we will partake in a brunch as we bid our newly found relatives a fond farewell.




ADDITIONAL REUNION DETAILS

• Date: July 20 – 24, 2011 • Place: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Cost: $250 - Adults (13 & above), $175 - Child (6 – 12), $30 Child (1 – 5)

1. The committee is looking into other pricing options, so please do not be deterred by this price. 2. We would like to offer options (for those who are not interested in attending all the events) and will be able to do so when we have a

headcount.

BANK INFORMATION

A bank account has been established in the name of Dowdie Family Reunion with Bank of America. If you are interested in paying your reunion fees at a Bank of America location near you, we will provide you with the account number in order for you to make your deposits; or you may make your check made payable to Dowdie Family Reunion and mail to:

Dowdie Family Reunion c/o Antonia Allen 234-18 137th Avenue Rosedale, NY 11422

HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE At present, the best thing that you can do to help the reunion is to CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE. It is it very important for catering and planning purposes to know how many people will be attending. Please confirm your attendance by email ([email protected]), letter or telephone to any of the following Reunion Committee member:

Allison - (201) 428-8111 * Antonia “Ann” (917) 226-1069 * Delano “Dicky” (516) 439-6279 * Dionne (678) 392-0727 * Evans (201) 916-1607 * Joyce (347) 789-5427 * Judy (954) 815-4732 * Sasha (516) 610-6042

We will not be able to negotiate the great daily rate ($79) we were offered by the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, with another hotel, so please be sure to reserve your room as soon as possible!!! Do remember that they only require a credit card to secure your room. Your credit card will be charged at checkout, only. FUTURE PLANNING Memorial Day 2011 will be celebrated with George Dowdie and his family, in New Jersey. If you are interested, please respond to the email for the directions to cousin George. There will be lots of food and great company. 2012 is practically around the corner, so now is the time to consider a family event. I suggested a cruise to some cousins and agreed it was a good idea. Please consider and let me know and advise as to whether or not you will be interested so we can discuss our options. WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS! You can also assist, by checking if you have any old photographs, etc, and providing copies so that they can be included in the book of our Dowdie reunion. We will also need a current photo for the family tree that will be unveiled at the reunion.

CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions to the Gazette are most welcome. If you have something that you would like to share (a poem, a recipe, a joke, or family news) please email it to [email protected] so that it can be included in a future Gazette.




Demorah Adrianna Robinson – March 05, 2011 Proud Parents: Damiel Dowdie

Grandparent: Enoch Dowdie Great-Grandparent: Stanley & Wilhelmina Dowdie

Inessa Karrin Cooper – March 27, 2011

Proud Parent: Nasya Bailey & Kevin Cooper Grandparents: Wilson & Melva Bailey

Great-Grandparent: Albert & Agnes Bernard

February Cornellia Dowdie 03 Gloria Bernard 11 Cherron Dowdie 14 Dassy Herbert 14 Andrea Dowdie 16 Sasha Pryce 16 Ivor Dowdie 18 Petrina Coleman 28

March Danielle Smith 01 Shaniece Silvera 05 John Dowdie, Sr. 04 Jervis Fearon 06 Winsome Dowdie 07 Jordan Hayles 09 Exton Voce 11 Livette Ricketts 12 Sharn Wallace 15 Diamond S’ade Wilkins 16 Jamaica Sawyers 17 Callum Smith 20 Keneisha Dowdie 23 Desmond Dowdie 26 Preshus Smith 29

April Donnette Cooper 03 Starr Dowdie 03 Casharn Rowe 04 Janina Francis 07 Toni-Kae Watson-Grant 08 Jacory Collins 13 Kayla Watson-Grant 13 Collin Roache 18 Rodari Lyn, Jr. 18 Courtney Dowdie (UK) 19 Deidre Charles 19 Kristine Cooper 19 Michelle Legister 22 Sebert Cooper 22 Owen Dowdie 24 Simon Mitchell 25 Johann Chambers 27 Gayon Chambers 28 Kemar Fearon, Jr. 28 Janice Williams-Silvera 29 Patricia Sawyers 29 Alfred (Bilal) Sawyers 29

Sean & Edwina Dowdie – April 1, 2005

Collin & Stacey Roache – May 2011

Muriel Roache nee Dowdie – February 7, 2010




TREASURED MOMENTS

This issue is in honor of my beloved cousin Hoplyn Marcia Brooks, who left this world on January 30, 2011. Hoplyn was a beautiful person with a kind and gentle soul. She will be deeply missed.

the dowdie news gazette volume 1, issue 4

Documents

lewis dowdie

eulpyn dowdie

uncle lewis

uncle john dowdie

family tree

family line

historical dowdie family

dowdie relatives