“Raise the Roof” Contest Celebrates Life of 107-year-old Hattie Ethel Bowman

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Streamline Roofing salutes the old Virginian with a new roof and festivities for all four generations of Hattie’s family. 

When Streamline Roofing reached out to the community asking for Williamsburg residents who deserve a new roof, Hattie’s grandson, Michael Bowman and his wife Tara immediately nominated Hattie. “As a kid, I spent a lot of time here [at Hattie’s home],” Michael told WY Daily. “So, seeing this done and giving a new life to her house, it means everything to me.” 

This month Streamline Roofing happily announced the winner of their 4th annual free roof giveaway was Hattie Ethel Bowman. 

Hattie has lived on Richmond Road since 1956. “She has pictures where the road goes all the way across because the lower part of Richmond Road wasn’t even there yet,” said Michael. The 70 linear feet of plywood Streamline replaced was original to the house. Hattie was also gifted a free pressure wash from Safari Soft wash. 

The four generations of Hattie’s family and Streamline Roofing celebrated at Hattie’s home on Wednesday as her new roof was installed. The celebration was as much about the incredible life of Hattie as it was about her new roof.  

In the over a century span of Hattie’s life she has been an avid member of the historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg as well as an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority for 75 years, officially becoming a Diamond Soror. Hattie graduated from Virginia State University and became a guidance counselor at Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg before going on to teach at James Blair Middle School until her retirement in 1986. 

“This moment is super special for me because as people get older you start losing family members. I never thought she would see me get married or see our children,” Hattie’s grandson Michael told WY Daily. “She’s actually gotten to meet and know both of our children and that means the world to me.” 

Hattie and her family were all smiles at celebration, including Hattie’s two young great-grandchildren. Treats were provided by Matchsticks BBQ and Kona Ice trucks throughout the celebration. 

“She’s meant so much to so many people here in Williamsburg and within our family. She deserved it,” Michael said. “It’s something she’ll get to enjoy and will be in the family for the rest of our lives.” 

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

Photo credit: WYDaily/Molly Feser and Streamline Roofing