By Linda Dye
All communities have people, past or present, that become local legends and/or heroes. And though I must confess I don’t really know what makes one a legend or hero, I believe I have been privileged to know and enjoy the company of a few that have called the outback home. As legends of the outback go, they just don’t get much better than Blake Lowe.
Blake Lowe was born in Wellborn Feb. 10, 1914, to Jessie and Mac Lowe. Mr. Blake once told me he was born three years prior to Wellborn’s historic, red brick road being laid.
From birth it was evident that the fingers of Mr. Blake’s left hand would not develop as fingers should. They appeared as if completely amputated, leaving him with only a thumb. And as he grew into adulthood, his physical stature was one of slender proportion; his height maybe that of 5’ 6”. But what a King David Spirit Mr. Blake had! Someone of a lesser strength may have taken the Pity Road, but not Blake Lowe. He took the King’s Highway.
Mr. Blake owned and operated Lowe’s General Store for 40 years. Every year he would plant a glorious, humungous vegetable garden, and loved to refer to his pecan cracking business, which was housed in the small building behind his home on CR 137, as “The Nut House.”
Mr. Blake was generous to his home community. He is considered the guiding force behind the formation of the WVFD. He donated a portion of his property in Wellborn so that our outback community could have its own, much-needed fire station. Wellborn #1 was built in 1981 by fellow firefighters and concerned citizens, entirely from donations, including $200 from the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Blake was the first WVFD Fire Chief and served in that honored position for 20 years. The WVFD Training Facility located on 4th Avenue is called the Blake Lowe Center in his honor. Family reunions and other gatherings may use the building for different functions, and the Wellborn Neighborhood Watch meets at the Center on the last Thursday of the month.
In my mind’s memory I can still see Mr. Blake as he walked from his home each morning to the Wellborn Post Office. He would retrieve his mail and visit with the locals. And sometimes, if it was my lucky day, he would walk across CR 137 and grace my shop with a visit, sharing with me tidbits of local history and lore.
Mr. Blake left us on July 28, 1994. He was 81 years young. His only child, son Terry, and daughter-in-law Jane now live in what we in the outback will forever refer to as “The Blake Lowe House”. He also lives with precious memories in the hearts of his three grandchildren Tara, Tiffany, and William. His great-granddaughter, Addison Faith Stubbs, born May 2, 2008, will also be blessed with Grandpa Blake’s “Precious Memories.” Oh how they linger.
It’s that time again. You know … where I have to say so long. Remember to pray for our nation and our new, incoming President. Pray for our military, and for their safe return home to those who love, miss and need them. Help a neighbor in need, and be kind to a stranger, for you too may one day be a stranger in need of kindness. Tell those you love, you love them. Tell them today … tomorrow may not be yours for the telling. Till next time, God bless America!
