Hertford’s Thom and the late Myrtle Blair’s family are unique in many respects. As their articles in hertsmemories.org.uk suggest.
Half are in America. Yet the four children, five grandchildren, and their children, Mason and Meadow have one thing in common.
What marks this family is a healthy tradition of transatlantic migration, in both directions. And Christmas 2022 proves it.
Daughter Lucille, in the insurance industry in New York, and her sister Gage, in legal litigation in Baltimore, are examples. As teenagers, they lived in the family home on West Street, Hertford, and were educated at Presdales School. They sought greener pastures in America, but return frequently with their sons Liam and Max respectively.
Sam, Katharine’s son, fled London’s no-hope job and housing scene to teach in Las Vegas public schools. After dinner he shares his goals – focusing on students’ skills, talents, and drive.
Violinist Max, Gage’s son, has come over and entertained the folks at Braziers Field with his concert pieces and popular song medley.
The trans-border visits of the British wing are equally enriching. When in America, Blair daughter’s music educator and violinist Ellen, and Katharine in vintage antiques have a special interest. They are well aware that Mother Myrtle’s New England family hails from Savoy, Massachusetts.
Media arts enthusiast Indigo, Katharine’s daughter, has explored the food, culture and politics of New York while visiting Lucille and Liam.
Zooming and tweeting on social media, messaging apps and platforms, fills in the gaps in time and continents.
We are all keen explorers of Hertford’s historic ambience. Finding a keepsake royal teacup or tea towel at the Hertford Castle Christmas Market stalls is a joyful gift to take home. Nothing beats taking a break at the Woolpack pub, packed with brewing history.
Enjoying a quick tipple before their fish and chips at the Salisbury Arms is a must. A visit to see the jaw-dropping events at Castle Hall and the exhibits at the Hertford Museum is a pleasure. All raise our spirits.
There’s time, too, to share memories of a common love and loss. We pay our respects to the family elders. Myrtle (1927- 2017) and Thom’s mother Lucy Gage of Montserrat, British West Indies
(1899-1988) are interred in the All Saints churchyard.
Exploring Hertford’s diverse past is a must for everyone. There are expert guides to unforgettable Black history, heritage, and culture in the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library. An example of minority inclusion that transborder UK/US families can relate to.
The Blair family’s youngest, Mason and Meadow, are active listeners and sharers of the legacy. Exceptionally, they show the dignity and integrity bestowed upon them by the elders and fine-tuned by their own emerging British experience.
See Hertsmemories.org.uk The Blair Family of Hertford.
See also The Blair Family of Hertford hertsmemories.org.uk
Family members include: First row Mason Rowlatt, Indigo Blair Pole. Professor Thomas L. Blair, Meadow Rowlatt and Keith Rowlatt, 2nd row Nick Pole, Lottie Rowlatt, Katherine Blair Pole, Ellen Blair (in a flowered dress). And from the USA: Max Blair Jacobs (standing tall), Liam Blair Ford (in Christmas hat) paired with his mother Lucille Blair. All zoomed with Gage and Marc Jacobs, and Sam Blair Pole, Katharine’s son.
Add your comment about this page