Nicolas Martiau 4th Tribute
March 25 - 28, 2004

NMDA assembled at the Williamsburg Hospitality House Hotel on the weekend of March 25 - 28, 2004 for its 4th Tribute to Nicholas Martiau.  That date represented a postponement, due to Hurricane Isabel's arrival in Tidewater the September 2003 week that the 4th Martiau Tribute had been planned.  The March event recreated what had been planned for September.  Tribute Chairman Page Warden provided a wonderful weekend which included:   a Wine & Cheese Social, Breakfast Business Meeting, Luncheon at Warner Hall, Tour of the Warner Family Cemetery conducted by APVA, Open House Hosted by the Tribute Chairman Page Warden, Wreath Laying at the Grace Church Nicolas Martiau Memorial, York River Cruise, Tour of Purton, and Gala Banquet.  Marty Dale, founder of NMDA was elected President Emeritus.  Martiau descendants from all over the country enjoyed meeting their newly found cousins.  Each now holds a special place in our heart.  

Over forty NMDA members and friends enjoyed blue skies on a memorable March weekend in Williamsburg, Yorktown and Gloucester, Virginia. This Fourth Martiau Tribute, originally scheduled for September 2003 when it was canceled by Hurricane Isabel, was extra special "the second time around."

Page Warden did a super job of scheduling events, with the convenient Williamsburg Hospitality House Hotel as "headquarters." Thursday night’s Wine and Cheese and Registration, as well as Friday’s Business Meeting and Saturday night’s Gala Colonial Farewell Banquet were held there.

Warner Hall, the Gloucester homesite of George Washington’s grandparents, served a gourmet luncheon on Friday. Dr. Marsha and John Gillis conducted a tour of the adjacent graveyard, noting connections to Martiau descendants.

On Friday night, Page Warden opened doors wide for a delicious, delightful Open House at her home in Williamsburg.

Saturday morning began with the Wreath-Laying at the Martiau graves at Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown. Novelle Cobine, President, conducted the ceremony. Bonnie and Jerry Karwac, at the adjacent York County Museum, were helpful in explaining the artifact collection there, including items relating to Martiau.

Members next gathered across the York River, where they boarded the "Yorktown Lady" for an enjoyable river cruise and box lunch.

Several cars then headed to Purton, for a very special tour hosted by the Stifels, who own this extraordinary home with connections to many Martiau descendants.

The Fourth Martiau Tribute weekend was topped off with the Gala Colonial Farewell Banquet in Williamsburg on Saturday night, at which time officers were installed.

As extra "icing on the cake," about a dozen Dandridge, West and Gregory descendants met on Sunday afternoon, March 28, for a tour of Elsing Green in King William County. Dale Watkins made arrangements with the Laffertys, who graciously conducted a tour throughout their home and grounds, that trace back to Col. John West.

Lasting memories and friendships were made at the Fourth Martiau Tribute. You will want to be sure to take part in the Fifth, when that is scheduled!

08/14/2004 05:20:19 PM