Charlie Bowman Memorial Marker to be dedicated August 14

A Tennessee state historical marker honoring Charlie Bowman will be unveiled near his birthplace in Gray, Tennessee on August 14.

To read the article about the marker dedication in the Sunday, August 15, 2004 Johnson City Press click here.

The dedication of the new official Tennessee State Highway Marker for "Fiddlin' Charlie Bowman" is scheduled for Saturday, August 14, at 1:30 PM at the intersection of Rosco Fitz Road and Highway 75 (Bobby Hicks Highway) in Gray, TN. Dignitaries attending are State Representative David Davis, State Senator Rusty Crowe, U.S. Representative from Tennessee, Bill Jenkins, and a representative from the Mayor's office of Washington County. The ceremony is expected to last just under 30 minutes.
Several Bowman family members will provide music featuring some of Charlie Bowman's songs.

Agenda:

• Opening Remarks: Bob Cox
• Introduction of David Davis, Representative, Tennessee General Assembly (brief remarks)
• Introduction of Rusty Crowe, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly (brief remarks)
• Introduction of Jim Bowman (Weldon & Lou's son) who will introduce his good friend Bill Jenkins, U.S. Representative, First Congressional District of Tennessee (brief remarks).
• Music: Vocal selections by the Bowman Brothers (James, Ray, Tony, Robert, sons of Elbert and Gladys Bowman) and fiddling by Jim Bowman) on : "Roll On Buddy", "Nine Pound Hammer", and "East Tennessee Blues".
• A person representing Washington County Mayor, George Jaynes (who will be unable to attend), will proclaim August 14, 2004 as "Charlie Bowman Day" in Washington County, Tennessee (which we expect will be approval next week by Washington County's Board of Commissioners).
• Concluding Remarks- Bob Cox.

Directions: The location of the event is easy to find. If you are driving from Johnson City on I-26 (old highway I-181), exit onto Highway 75 (Bobby Hicks Highway) at Gray, TN. Cross over the interstate toward Sulphur Springs, and you will immediately see the Tennessee Plastics plant (old North Electric plant) on your right. Go 0.2 mile to the first road past this plant and turn right onto Rosco Fitz Road. You will see the marker just ahead on your left. Park along the right side of Rosco Fitz Road next the fence.

A big "thank you" goes to Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Fitzgerald for giving us permission to stand in their yard during the ceremony.
The old log house where Fannie and Charlie raised twelve kids (including Elmer and Joe Ferguson) stood just down this road before you get to Gray Station Road on the left in the same location of the one-story brick house overlooking the Gray countryside. I hope many of our family members will join us in this very special occasion for our Bowman family.