Lucy Bowie

Lucy Bowie

Lucy Catherine Bowie, 82, of Culpeper, died on Thursday. March 6 at Culpeper Memorial Hospital.

She was bom in Culpeper on June 10, 1914. She was a lifelong resident of Culpeper.

Her parents were the late Aubrey Bowie and Robert Eliza Stringfellow Bowie.

She taught elementary school in Greene and Culpeper Counties; and later was associated with several newspapers, including The Virginia Star, Rappahannock News and the Madison County Eagle.

Since 1877 several newspapers served Rappahannock County, however, when the new Rappahannock News opened for business in the fall of 1949 on the comer across from where The Inn is located today. Miss Bowie served as publisher.

Miss Bowie and her brother, Bruce ran the office there for about a year until the News moved a few doors west to its new home where it is still located.

With the help of their sole employee, John M. Barber, the Bowies brought to Rappahannock County a used linotype machine and other equipment purchased in Scottsville, Va.

While a bargain, the well-used equipment worked perfectly after the Bowies and Mr. Barber cleaned and oiled it. According to Lucy Catherine, the first hot-lead slug produced by the Rappahannock linotype read “first linotype slug made in Rappahannock County ." It was, indeed!

In 1950 the Rappahannock News building, containing a news office and print shop, was finished, and the company moved to permanent quarters. The original arrangement lasted for about three years; Bruce married, and he and his wife bought out Lucy Catherine’s business interests in 1953.

Miss Bowie’s brother, Bruce and his wife sold the newspaper in 1956.

Survivors include a number of cousins.

Graveside services were held Monday, March 10 at Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper with the Rev. Richard A. Forbes Jr. officiating.

Clore-Geest Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.