Showing posts with label Pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pictures. Show all posts

Friday, February 9, 2007

Proud of Our Ancestry


From left to right , Dr. Fernandez's sister Lola, Adalberto Fernandez Sr., (his father), baby ,his wife, Clara G. Fernandez holding Raul Alfredo Fernandez, and Dr. A.J. Fernandez, flanked by the priest.

"I am very proud of what my parents were able to do, and of how courageous they were."


The story of Dr. A.J.& Clara G. Fernandez.

La Habana Cuba


My father, A. J. Fernandez, came from a very poor family and no one had money to help buy books to study and fulfill his ambition of becoming a doctor, so he taught himself to play the violin and played at cafes for tips in order to buy books and put himself through medical school.

After becoming a Doctor at the University of Havana, Fidel Castro came into power and all private property became property of The State.

Here is a picture of Havana, Cuba around the time my father became a Doctor.
Havana, Cuba was a prosperous city and Cuba was called “The Pearl Of The Caribbean”.

My grand parents - "Clara G. Fernandez's parents".


Upon their return to Cuba, Clara's father, Jose Jaime Hurtado and her mother finally gave Clara and A.J. their blessings and gave them two pieces of land. One parcel was in a remote location. On my fathers free time he would go to the property and pull the 'Marabu' weeds. He appreciated the land and loved to work it.

Finna -"La Hormiga" - Camaguey, Cuba 1946.



The beginning of "The Working of their Land" -

Finca - "La Hormiga" Camaguey Cuba 1946



Dr. Fernandez started off with a couple of Bulls that were given to him, and in time his herd was three-fold.





The land was his passion and he worked the land until it became prosperous with produce. 'that's him on the left'. The cattle were of the best quality.

A.J. Played Baseball for the CC Camaguey Team


Dr. Fernandez, from left to right, is standing, sixth person in photo.
Sports was also his interest and he considered it therapy and exercise for the mind, body, and soul.

Circa 1950's



A.J. and Clara are together in the background, and A.J,'s father is seen holding the baby. Also in this photo, Mrs.Lola Abaroa, who is A.J.'s sister.


Clara's Family Posing Together.