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On the way home

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On the way home we stopped in New Brunswick to meet some new family from the Martin side. And got a whole history lesson in the process.  The original family is from a small community just outside of Saint John, New Brunswick called Willow Grove. A few family members still live nearby - most moved to Toronto and Montreal long, long ago for job opportunities. 

Short article here on Willow Grove. Stop right now and read.  I remember learning about these small black communities in high school but it never occurred to me that I would be a descendent of one.  I just had no idea. 

We met Marsha (my dad's first cousin) at her house for supper Sunday eve.  Valerie flew down from Ontario to hang out too.  They got to meet my kids! And we had a lovely time visiting. 
Marsha had a wonderful collection of family photos. And I am still dying over these pictures I saw.  First the original house in Willow Grove.  It is now torn down...
My great grandparents. (I'm obsessed with this photo!)  Francis was from Willow Grove, Edward was from Barbados - he was on a ship that docked in Saint John and he jumped off and stayed. They had 10 kids - their daughter Mary was my grandmother. 
My grandmother is second from right.  I can definitely see my face. I wish I had known her. I've heard she was a force and loved by all the family - she attracted people to her and her house in Montreal was a hub for family activities and gatherings. 
And I am yet again noting here that my whole life I had a huge (Martin) family that lived just a short five hour drive away and I did not know anything about them....  I am still heart broken over this... such a loss for me. They are all so kind and gentle and welcoming and fun!
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