400 of Bermuda's key figures are recalled in 400th anniversary book
By Chris Spencer
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Newly published and now on sale: Editor Merdith Ebbin (left), Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield (right), and Conchita Ming, Chairman of the Bermuda 2009 committee pose for a photo at the Bermuda 2009 Committee's official release of the commemorative book, Bermuda 1609-2009 400 Years - 400 Portraits.
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Photo: Mark Tatem
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Key Bermuda figures featured in the new 400th year anniversary book include Sir George Somers (above) and clockwise from top : Jim Woolridge, William Henry Thomas Joell, Hezekiah Frith and John Rolfe
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C.V. 'Jim' Woolridge (1926-)
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Hezekiah Frith (1763-1848)
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A commemorative book compiling 400 prominent figures from Bermuda's 400 years of history was officially launched at City Hall yesterday.
'Bermuda 1609-2009, 400 years 400 Portraits' is the result of more than 18 months of work by researchers, historians and writers, according to Conchita Ming, the Chairwoman of the Bermuda 2009 Committee, the group which compiled the book.
"Our sub-committee was given the unenviable task of portraying 400 persons deemed to have made significant contributions towards the evolution of the Island's economic, social, political, cultural, sports, religious life and other realms as well," said Ms Ming.
"From Sir George Somers to Premier Ewart Brown and everyone in between, this volume represents all facets of Bermudian society over her four centuries of inhabitation up to the present day."
Families as well as individuals are featured in the book. Some prominent families are represented as a group due to the significant contributions by several of its members.
The 176-page book is divided into a section for each of Bermuda's four centuries of history.
Some of the important people covered in the book include: John Rolfe from the 17th century, Hezekiah Frith from the 18th century, William Henry Thomas Joell of the 19th century and Jim Woolridge from the present day.
John Rolfe is one of the most famous of the 17th century new world arrivals. He and his wife were Sea Venture castaways and parents of the first child born in Bermuda.
In February 1610 his wife gave birth to a daughter that they named Bermuda. Mrs. Rolfe died the same year. Mr. Rolfe continued on to Jamestown, Virginia where in 1614, he married native American Princess Pocahontas.
Hezekiah Frith, 1763-1848, had a reputation for being the most feared privateersman on the high seas. Through plundering ship's cargo he became the wealthiest man in Bermuda. He captured at least 40 ships during his career, won an election to the House of Assembly and lived at Spithead, on Harbour Road, Warwick.
William Henry Thomas Joell, 1838-1885, was Bermuda's first black Member of Parliament. He was responsible for building Glebe Road. Served on the committee that founded Berkeley Institute and was also a cabinet maker and carpenter.
Jim Woolridge, 1926-present day, is a resident of Flatts. He is known as the Voice of Summer for his popular cricket radio broadcasts. While he studied to be a dental technician he later worked in sales for the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.
His first broadcast of a game was in 1954 when he covered a match in St. David's so the "sick and shut-ins could hear the game". He was an MP for the UBP from 1968 to 2001 and had two stints as Tourism Minister. Mr. Woolridge also served as Labour Minister, Immigration Minister and as Government whip.
"It is hoped that people will see these portraits as a beginning point to show the rich and varied tapestry of the Bermuda Experience," said Ms. Minors.
'Bermuda 1609-2009, 400 years - 400 Portraits' is available in hardcover for $60 and softcover for $20 at various locations and book stores Island wide.
