Faithful Friend

Clarence Bowen began a journal in 1869 that he maintained throughout his life. In it he recorded mundane personal activities, family and social events, and his thoughts. Clare, a family nickname, frequently wrote about his happiness in Woodstock with his polo pony, his dogs, and his busy social life. “Every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday I mean to spend there. Rowing by moonlight on the lake with young ladies, attending picnics and going in swimming at Roseland Park, driving . . . to see friends, riding horseback, fishing, hunting, playing Badminton . . . every summer I seem to enjoy there more than the preceding summer.” (Journal I) Clarence’s dog, Flash, placed at the 1880 Madison Square Garden Bench Show, one of the early dog shows that is now known as the Westminster Kennel Club show.