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VOLUME 11, NUMBER 49 2fc PEt COP* THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
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DOCTOR TO FDR, IKE,
PATTON,BRADLEY,
MONTGOMERY
Indian Doctor who was
physician to giants
of 20th Century tells his story
Dr. EARL LOWRY...aow 74 years eld,
this Lambee Indian doctor reflects on the
great people of the 20th Centary who
have beea his patients.
This wm how Dr. EARL LOWRY
looked as an Army colonel. Daring World
War D, he had 6,000 physicians serving
under him "looking after four million
men."
BY GENE WARREN
PEMBROKE Franklin D. Roose
velt. Dwight Eisenhower. George Pat ton,
Omar Bradley. George Marshall. Ber
nard Montgomery. Charles DeGaulle.
and many more. Giants of the 20th
Century.
A man who was a physician to them all
was Dr. Earl Lowry. a Lumbee Indian
from Robeson County who attained the
rank of colonel in the U.S. Army and
served for 15 years in that grade before
retiring.
Now 76 years old, he was chief of the
Professional Services Division and chief
consultant in surgery. Office of the Chief
Surgeon in Europe, during World War II.
Dr. Lowry had some 6.000 physicians
under him "looking after four million
men." he said.
"Earl Lowry is the smartest man I've
ever talked with." says Adolph Dial.
Indian historian and chairman of the
American Indian Studies Department at
Pembroke State University.
Dr. Lowry joined the Army in 1936 as
war clouds were gathering over Europe
and his life as a physician brought him
into contact with these historical giants
plus others like Winston Churchill.
Marshal George Zhukov of the Russian
army, the queens of England. The
Netherlands and Belgium, everyone of
importance, it seems.
He was the physician attending Pat ton
when he died from a broken neck in an
auto-truck collision in 1945.
He set up an emergency tent at the
request of Admiral Ross Mclntyre for
Roosevelt when FDR spoke at the 75th
reunion of the Battle of Gettysburg in
1938. "I wouldn't hesitate to say
Franklin D. Roosevelt did more with a
tremendous physical handicap than
anyone I've seen in 50 years of practice,"
Lowry claimed.
Low^y was already in Europe helping
in medical planning for Roosevelt to
attend the Potsdam Conference when he
learned of Roosevelt's fatal stroke at
Warm Springs. Ga.. in 1945. "In some
medical circles his death was not
unexpected." Lowry commented.
Now residing in Des Moines. Iowa*, the
distinguished-appearing Lowry returned
"home" in Pembroke recently for a
two-day visit. "I try to get back at least
twice a year." says the man whose father
was the late D.F. Lowry. an Indian
patriarch of this area who is known as the
first graduate of what became Pembroke
State University. A long-time member of
the Pembroke State Board of Trustees,
D.F. Lowry was honored in 1965 when
the D.F. Lowry Student Center was
named after him. Lowry died at the age
of 97 in 1977. He had been a teacher,
insuranceman. business manager, mail
carrier, minister, historian, etc.
"I believe my father contributed more
P cause of Pembroke State Uni
tban any other person." asserted
rl Lowry. "He was the key planner
ough days when the school was at
lend of the budget... and the
of N.C education. He did more to
get us off that and into the school system
than any other person."
Dr. Lowry was recently interviewed
with rain falling outside--at the home of
his legendary father, who was actively
gardening while even in his 90's.
It was one of those wonderful days of
nostalgia, when one looks back over the
years with fond remembrances.
How did an Indian boy who couldn't
attend school with whites or blacks in
those days of the strictest segregation
manage to climb the heights and become
a physician to some of the greatest men
of the 20th Century?
This son of D.F. Lowry and the former
Jessie Hatcher, a native of South
Carolina, explained part of it quickly.
"There were four girls and four boys in
the family, and we were all taught to
work--and not to compromise results.
Our father impressed upon us the
importance of making an 'A' in school
instead of a "B -and I think that's why
eight children were able to get some 19
college degrees." he said.
Earl Lowry attended Hopewell Graded
School, about six miles from Pembroke,
then graduated in 1924 from Pembroke
High School, which then had 11 grades
and was located in Old Main-now the
landmark of Pembroke State University.
"I was president of my senior class
and those were the first classes ever held
in Old Main." remarked Lowry.
"It was reported that a normal school
curriculum was available at the school
then, but no students were enrolled." he
continued. "However, in our senior year,
one student was enrolled. Lucy M.
Oxendine."
N.C. Newbold was assistant super
intendent of public schools in North
Carolina at that time-and in charge of
the Indian schools. "Newbold took me in
the library the day I graduated and
reminded me that 1 couldn't get any
more education in North Carolina other
than at this school. He wanted me to
come back and take the first year of a
college curriculum." At that time. Lowry
said an Indian student could be taught
college work at the all-Indian institution
at Pembroke on a one-on-one basis.
Lowry chose to go to McKendree
College in Lebanon. 111., as the first step
toward going to medical school. How
ever. because he said McKendree
needed "a little more forcefulness in its
chemistry, biology and physics for me to
get in a Class A medical school." Lowry
transferred to the University of Chat
tanooga. He earned there a B.S. in 1927.
"It took me three years to go through'. I
graduated at the age of 19." he said. His
B.S. was in chemistry and biology.
He then returned to Pembroke and
taught science at the Indian Normal
School where Pembroke State University
is now located from 1927-29.
Lowry entered the University of
Vanderbilt Medical School in the fall of
1929 and earned his M.D. in 1933.
"In the summer of 1929 before, going
to Vanderbilt. I went up to Wake Forest
College and took a four-hour course in
physics. About mid-term the admissions
officer summoned me to his office and
CONTINUED PAGE I
at
1-95 COSMETIC
OUTLET CELEBRATES
TWO YEARS
Diane Oxendine is shown with man.v of
the discount cosmetics available at
Diane's Cosmetic Outlet, located on
West Third Street in Pembroke. Diane
and her husband Charles, also operate
the 1-95 Cosmetic Outlet in Lumberton.
[Bruce Barton photo)
Pembroke-Dune and Charles Oxendine
find it hard to believe. They just
completed two years at the 1-95 Cosmetic
Outlet in Lumberton and have just
opened their second store- Diane's
Cosmetic Outlet and Alteration Shop- in
Pembroke. (Located in part of the
building formerly bousing Oxendine's
Jewelry for many years.) The Oxendines
recently purchased the building front the
Cook family, and have renovated the
other part of the building for rent
The Oxendines give Charles F.
Atkinson, their landlord at . the 1-95
Cosmetic Outlet a lipn's shir. of the
credit for their overwhelming success'*'
there. Mrs. Oxendine recalls, "He
encouraged us. helped design the store
for us. and had the confidence to rent us
the expensive floor space at the 1-95
Outlet Mall."
The Oxendines. ardent Christians,
also believe that God has honored and
blessed their business enterprise be
cause they do not open on Sunday "in
honor of God's dav."
Diane Oxendine. a teacher at Smith
Allenton and her husband. Charles, a
general contractor, find themselves
spending muae and more of their spare
time developing their discount cosmetic
outlet business.
Proud parents of three children, they
attend Harper's Ferry Baptist Church
and live in the Hopewell community.
Their second store in Pembroke is
open from 9-5:30 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and is staffed by
Carol Wainwright, and Jackie Deese.
The new store also features expert
> seamtresses. making garments on order
Ifififf'afiefaTftffts.' ' *
They invite all their friends to come in
and visit with them- either at the 1-95
Cosmetic Outlet or Diane's Cosmetic
Outlet on West Third Street, Pembroke.
Some of the cosmetics featured are
Coty, Faberge. Holsten. Chloe. Polo
and many more brand names at discount
prices. They special order too.
Pembroke is proud to welcome the
Oxendines to the business community.
SCENES FROM
PEMBROKE JAYCEE'S
SPONSORED
CHRISTMAS PARADE
PEMBROKE-It was jolly and fun Friday morning as Pembroke held its annual
Christmas Parade, a yearly event sponsored by the Pembroke Jaycccs. Parade
coordinator and officials estimated that a crowd of 8.000 turned out to sec Santa
Claus and all the other Christmasy floats, holly adorned beauty queens and. of
course. 01' Nick.
Some 90 units took part in the parade and Greg Cumniings and the other
Jaycees and town officials were euphoric at the large turnout, citing cooperation
of Pembroke Police and Fire units and the warm weather.
Trophy winners were: first place in the band competition. West Robeson High
School, under the direction of Walter Jackson: second place. Prospect School: and
third place was South Robeson. In the elementary school division, first place was
Pembroke Elementary. ,
In the non-commercial float competition. Deep Branch School came in first.
LRDA won second place. In the church floats. Union Chapel Methodist Church
took first place, and New Prospect Church came in second.
In the marching unit competition, the Pembroke ROTC unit won the first place
trophy. '<? ' *
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Start* Outdtat, owe of Pembroke'* hiIIm) piicttau, woo mmt of the
CM?l^Mriol*P*?Hbroke Potter af FtoDtafMtataMot write f?I
their help with cn?d control aad wevtaf the parade ele^i Friday t
IBrace Bartea PHotel ... ?
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PEOPLE
A ND PL A CES
AND THINGS
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OXENDINE PTA PLANNED
Oxendinc Elementary w ill have its
third PTA meeting on Tuesday. Dec. 20
at 7:30 p.m. A Christmas program will be
presented after a short business session.
The public is invited to attend.
NACIE APPOINTMENTS
The National Advisory Council on
Indian Education is pleased to announce
that President Reagan has appointed
four new members and re- appointed one
for terms expiring Sept. 29. 198b. Robert
B. Brewington. Tuscarora of Pembroke
was re- appointed: Robert K. Chiago.
Navajo: Marie Cox. Commanche. Grace
Goodeaglc. Quapaw- Potawatomi. Evalu
Russell. Kiowa. This brings the member
ship to 14. It is expected that the
President will appoint the 15th member
soon.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PLANNED
Berea Baptist Church Youth Choir
invites you to attend "Two Nights Before
Christmas." a Christmas musical for
children on December 18. 1983 at Berea
Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. The
program is directed by Mrs. Felecia
Locklear.
SUPT. SWETT TO APPEAR
ON CAROLINA IN THE MORNING
Purnell Swett. Supt. of the Robeson
County School System, will be a guest on
"Carolina In The Morning" on Monday.
December 19. 1983. He will be inter
viewed by Wayne Jackson. Supt. Swett
recently returned from a good will
VfeofrU fo'-Peopit **" tburot Rxmsm
China. He will relate some of hi
experiences on that Channel 6 TV show.
FOURTH SUNDAY EVENING
SINGING POSTPONED
The regularly scheduled fourth
Sunday evening singing at the Pembroke
Church of God w ill be postponed because
that will be Christmas Day. According to
the pastor. Rev. .lack Hunt, the singing
will be held the lourth Sunday evening at
2:30 p.m. in January. The public is
cordially invited to attend.
PEMBROKE JAYCEES TO SPONSOR
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Pembroke Jaycees are sponsoring
a C iristmas Party on December 25 from
8 p.m. until at the Javcee Hut. Providing
music for your entertainment will be R &
R featuring your favorite hits of 1983.
Cost will be $10 per couple or $5 single.
You may pay at the door. Everyone is
invited to come out.
CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANNED
The Children's Department of the
Robeson County Public Library is
sponsoring a Christmas party for chil
dren ages 4 to 12 in the Osterneck
Auditorium on Dec. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m.
The staff will present "Santa's
Christmas Surprise" (puppet
show), along with stories, songs, treats
and a visit from Santa.
Parents are invited to bring their
children and celebrate with the Robeson
County Public Library Staff the joys of
Christmas.
HE WHO WALKS IN LOVE
TO BE PRESENTED
The Saddletree Church of God will
present "He Who Walks in Love" on
December 18 at 7 p.m. at the church.
The public is cordially irivitfcd to attend.
PLATE SALE PLANNED
Strike at the Wind will have a
barbecue plate sale December 22 in the
Pembroke Town Park from 11 a.m. until.
The price will be $3.50 per plate which
includes a drink. For more information,
call 919-521-3112.
FUND RAISING FOR CANCER VJCT1M
CARL OXENDINE JR.
A yard sale and Bake sale will be
held December 23 in the Pembroke Town
Park from 9 a.m. until. Proceeds from
the sale will go toward medical expenses
incurred by the illness of Carl Oxendine.
Jr: Any dotations will be gladly
accepted.
For. additional information contact
Doris Bravboy at 521-2297 or Marilyn
Oxendine at 521-4700.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PLANNED
Wakutta. will present its Christmas
program on Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
Refreshments ^s'tll follon tn t^ie tellon
ATTENTION ALL LUMBEE INDIANS;
COMMUNITY HEARINGS
Community hearings are under* ay
on Indian Federal Recognition.
The purpose of the Community
Hearings is to discuss the issues facing
the Lumbee Indians in matters dealing
with Federal Recognition and the
benefits to the Lumbee people. Another f
issue to be presented is an important
Lumbee Tribal Referendum to be voted
on January 31. 1984. by Lumbee Tribal
Enrolled Members.
December 13. 1983. 7 p.m.--Com
munity Hearing at the Native American
Council Building in Hoke County. N.C.
December 15. 1983 . 7 p.m.. at
Green Grove School in Robeson Countv.
N.C.
December 14. 1983. 7 p.m.. at West
Robeson High Schopl. Robeson County.
December 15. 1983. 7 p.m.. at
Magnolia School. Robeson County.
For more" information, call Lumbee
Regional Development Association at
919-521-8602. in Pembroke. N.C.
GOLDEN EAGLE CHANGESNAME.
MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
PEMBROKE Golden Eagle Chem
ical and Janitorial Company, formerly
located on West 3rd Street, has moved to
Cummings Pla/.a on Union Chapel Road,
bounded on one side by the Golden
Comb and on the other bv be Show Off.
manager, to m<* adequately reflect
some new- services offered by the
business. The new name of the business
is EAGLE SERVICES.
Eagle Services, like its predecessor,
continues to offer chemical supplies and
janitorial services and supplies, as well
as carpet cleaning and upholstery, and
maid services and general house clean
ing.
The company also offers 10% discount
to churches and civic organizations. For
further information, contact Sam Bras
well at 521-8416 or 521-8610.
Lowry
for the /
House
1 ? 9 ?M tf ;
Upon announcing his candidacy for tile
House of Representatives. Bernard |
Lowry of Pembroke released the follow
ing statement:
"As I announce my candidacy for the
House of Representatives, I want to
make several observations. 1 was born on
a farm near Elrod. N.C. in the Hopewell ^
Community. I attended the local com
munity schools. 1 have been a taxpayer
since 1936. I have been a life-long
Democrat. 1 vote in every election
town. county, state and national. I am a
member of the First Methodist Church in
Pembroke and % World War D veteran. I
am a retired teacher and a farmer
magistrate of die 16* Judicial District. I
am making myself available and *01 give
fuU-time attention to the legislative
effort. I also served ss Lt. Governor of .
Kiwanis International District IV.
"I am ambitious for our great atate. I
am ambitious for all the people of our
district, especially, as it relate*. k> good