Reynolds, Margaret

Charles and Hannah Reynolds raised their family at 429 North Washington Street. Charles worked in the family business of the H.M. Reynolds Company, which was one of the first companies to make asphalt shingles. Hannah was a schoolteacher for over 30 years, and 19 of those years were here in Lowell. Charles and Hannah had four children, including Margaret, the subject of this sketch. One of the benefits of living in a small town is all of the community interactions.

Margaret attended Lowell schools, graduating in 1931. Margaret was good friends with Ruby Boyenga Leeman, daughter of George and stepmom Buela Boyenga, of LoView Dairy at 830 North Monroe. After graduation Margaret attended Western State Teachers College (now Western Michigan University) in Kalamazoo.

Margaret and Ruby wrote letters to each other, staying in touch while Margaret was away at college. A postcard dated December 16, 1932, from Margaret to Ruby seemed like an eerie peek into the future. Margaret writes, “Dearest Ruby, well, the end is drawing near and woe is me! So much work and so little time - that’s why you haven’t heard from me…Well anyway, I’ll be home soon. Be good till then. With love, Marg” Clearly Margaret was simply referring to the end of her college semester, but tragedy struck in January.

The events of the beginning of 1933 can be seen through the eyes of Buela Boyenga, Ruby’s stepmom. She kept a journal of the events that affected her community and family.

“January 4 - Herbert Reynolds (Margaret’s brother) called up saying that Margaret was very ill with pneumonia. I called up in the evening & Mr. R. said that she would not live until morning.
January 5 - Margaret still alive and they think she will make the grade.
January 6 - Margaret died this noon. Turned for the worse this morning when everyone thought she would pull thru.
January 8 - George and I went over to the Reynolds for a few minutes.
January 9 - Margaret’s funeral. It was private so only Ruby was invited from this family.”

The January 12, 1933, issue of the Lowell Ledger contained the shocking news of Margaret’s death. The article is titled “Beautiful life ends with passing of Margaret Reynolds.” The funeral details show the Grand Rapids connections the family had. “The Rev. Mel Trotter, a close friend of the family, conducted the funeral services at her late home on (429) N. Washington avenue, Monday afternoon, and she was laid to rest in the Reynolds family lot in Oak Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids. Mr. Trotter baptized Margaret when a child and has always loved her during her short, sweet life.”

The whole community mourned the death of Margaret as it was stated that “Many automobiles joined the funeral cortege to the cemetery where she was interred, and the masses of beautiful flowers indicated the love and respect of her hosts of friends.”
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Ruby treasured her letters from her childhood friend, saving them. Through these letters and in Buela’s journal, we see the lifelong friendships shared in Lowell and are able to remember and honor the lives of those who’ve gone before.

Images:

Year book photograph, standing fourth from left is Ruby Boyenga. Margaret Reynolds is next to her standing on the end.

The Reynolds house at 429 N. Washington Street

H. M. Reynolds advertising

H.M. Reynolds shingle sample