 |
|
|
|
(courtesy of Encyclopedia of Newfoundland & Labrador) Educator; politician; author. Born Lewisporte, son of Phoebe Ann (Freake) and Eli Rowe. Educated Lewisporte; Prince of Wales College, St. John's; Normal Training School of Newfoundland; Memorial University College; Mount Allison University; University of Toronto. Married Edith Laura Butt. Rowe taught school in Little Burnt Bay, Curzon Village, Bishop's Falls, Wesleyville and Grand Bank. He was principal of Curtis Academy in St. John's after 1943, and later United Church supervising inspector of schools - all the while upgrading his own education. After Confederation he became the first deputy minister of the new Department of Public Welfare. He entered cabinet at the urging of Premier Smallwood, and was elected MHA for Labrador in 1951. Beginning in 1956 he represented White Bay South for 10 years, and from 1966 to 1971 represented Grand Falls. As one of Smallwood's most trusted lieutenants he served as Minister of Mines and Resources, Education, Highways, Finance, Community and Social Development and Labrador Affairs. In 1969, with Smallwood's blessing, Rowe was a candidate for the Liberal leadership. However, when John Crosbie entered the contest, Smallwood himself became a candidate and Rowe stepped down to support him. In the subsequent provincial election Rowe was one of seven cabinet ministers defeated. Shortly afterwards he was appointed to the Senate. Like Smallwood, Rowe had a keen interest in Newfoundland history and, particularly after his appointment to the Senate, produced a number of articles and books. A version of his doctoral dissertation was published in 1952 as a History of Education in Newfoundland. Other works include Extinction (1977) and A History of Newfoundland and Labrador (1980) -- his most ambitious work. He published his memoirs, Into the Breach, in 1988. Rowe was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters by Memorial University in 1982. In 1987 he was named an honorary member of the Newfoundland Teachers' Association.
|