July ushered in a week’s adventure for our family crew of eight…a stay on Green Turtle Cay in the northern chain of the Abacos, Bahamas.
Signed created by cousin Randy Curry
As I stepped on the Green Turtle Cay shore, the historic significance of this island started to emerge. On this former British Colony island, my Dad John Lowe’s birthplace, about five generations of my paternal ancestors lived. And my mother’s Lowe heritage counts a sixth generation, Captain Gideon Lowe 1752-1833 who lived here.
Dad and Mom in front of his boyhood home on his last visit to Green Turtle Cay (circa 1992).
We visited Green Turtle Cay two years ago as a family on a day trip. Prior to then, I personally had visited only a handful of times…days trips as well. These quick hits were mere teasers. This year I had to stay longer. I wanted to improve my bearings, to walk the beaches Dad walked, and to swim in the seas that he reminisced about in his sunset years.
Walking Parliament Street…the pink wall of historic Augustus Roberts home c. 1840, now New Plymouth Inn. Picket fence of the Sculptor Gardens.
We had located a lovely rental home on the island months in advance. With our eldest son graduating from college and another son from high school, July came quickly. Our journey began with a short Bahamas Air flight from Palm Beach, Florida to Marsh Harbour, Abaco. A 45-minute taxi ride over the pothole laden roads found the Treasure Cay Ferry dock. Across the sea to the east we see Green Turtle Cay. After a BOLO ferry ride, captained by cousin Nigel Lowe, we landed on Green Turtle Cay shore. A short golf cart ride brought us to our Bita Bay destination. This lovely home was recently built by Lowe’s Construction, more kin.
My daughter Gwyneth with fiancé Nick in front of our Bita Bay rental.
Each day, with camera in hand, I attempted to capture images that tugged at my heart. After the trip, I sifted through hundreds of photos. I narrowed down my favorites and grouped into broad categories.
Home of Roger Lowe (1914-2000) and Nell Pinder Lowe (1914-2000). In 1992, we enjoyed their company and the view that looks west across the Abaco Sea to the Abaco mainland.
Home of Roger and Nell’s daughter Viola Lowe, widow of Joe Sawyer. Our visit with her was charming, informative and too short.
This post highlights various island architectural homes and structures, showing various styles. Future posts will showcase other features from our trip.
Government Post Office built after the 1932 hurricane, decorated for Independence Day.
John A. Lowe (1859-1925) with 2X great grandson Wes Lowe. In 1913 John A. Lowe pastored the Church of God congregation in this building.
Home built by William Albert Lowe (1901-1985).
Home built by Gerald Key (1917-1994) and Merlee Lowe Key
The late Curtis Curry (1930-2009) house inherited from his father Theodore Cromwell Curry (1901-1974). This loyalist cottage was built on the Abaco Mainland, disassembled, and brought to Green Turtle Cay (c. 1860).
Sunset Cottage – home of Grandma Bessie Curry Lowe (1903-1967) and her husband Asbourne Lowe (1902-1986).
Former Government Building site demolished by the 1932 hurricane.Home of mailboat Captain Roland Roberts (1893-1945). Built around 1863 out of Abaco pine.
Narrow pathway leads to cousin Vertrum Lowe, skilled in the art of model shipbuilding like his father William Albert Lowe.
Pink shutters adorn home built by Uncle Robbie Saunders (1892-1970) and Edith Curry (1894-1985). The home stood fast during the 1932 hurricane. The separate kitchen-dining room structure flew away to the sea.
One of our favorite stops to the home of Pearl Lowe, my Dad’s first cousin.Little House by the Ferry – home of Uncle Herman Curry (1890-1958) and Mae Gates Curry (1901-1984).
I love these photographs, Evan. What a gift you have given your children – a small taste of settlement life in historic New Plymouth. And, thank you so much for telling me who lived in these beautiful old homes we all love.
I remember your dad working at Maura’s when I Was quite young. He left and I saw him occasionally at Roberts Furniture. Remember him talking about sending you away to college. Bob Jones? He was so proud of you. Thank you for the wonderful memory of our family business. Both our children live in the U.S. But I am too much of a conch and too slow to move.
Out Island Boy 
Thank you for a guided tour of New Plymouth town on Green Turtle Cay. You and your children are blessed to share this experience.
I love these photographs, Evan. What a gift you have given your children – a small taste of settlement life in historic New Plymouth. And, thank you so much for telling me who lived in these beautiful old homes we all love.
I remember your dad working at Maura’s when I Was quite young. He left and I saw him occasionally at Roberts Furniture. Remember him talking about sending you away to college. Bob Jones? He was so proud of you. Thank you for the wonderful memory of our family business. Both our children live in the U.S. But I am too much of a conch and too slow to move.
Wonderful photos of our rich history.
Donny
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Thank you – we do have a wonderful heritage.
Another wonderful read.
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I continue to love your writings and photos…..
Thank you!
So many wonderful memories for your family! I’m glad you were able to share it all w/your kids. The homes are painted in such happy colors!