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| Title | Smallwood, J.R. |
| Author of Finding Aid | White, Linda, 1950-
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| Scope and Content of Fonds | The Joseph R. Smallwood papers represent a partial record of the political career and personal life of Newfoundland's longest serving - premier. Smallwood, one of the forces behind Newfoundland's joining confederation, was first involved in journalism and later radio as the host - of the hugely popular Barrelman radio program. He entered the political arena in June 1946 as a member of the National Convention to decide - the country's future. Smallwood had campaigned openly as a Confederate and, once elected, appointed himself the champion of this cause. - He constantly brought the issue up in the debates in the Colonial Building. Through his efforts and those of the pro-confederates he - surrounded himself with, Smallwood convinced a majority of Newfoundlanders that Confederation with Canada would bring huge benefits. His - campaign to do so thrust him into the local as well as the Canadian spotlight. When the first provincial election was called his Liberal party won a - resounding victory and Smallwood went on to serve as Premier of the Newfoundland from 1949 to 1971. He remained active in politics until - 1977 when he retired to a career of writing and publishing the Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador. - - The papers in this collection span most of Smallwood's life, starting with correspondence from the 1920s when he was a journalist in New York. - They continue through his political career and beyond. There are over one hundred files from the Department of Economic Development, dating - from the early 1950s, when Smallwood was the department's minister and Alfred Valdmanis the director. Together, they were responsible for - the new industries which sprang up in the province during that time. Also notable are the hundreds of telegrams Smallwood kept from those - who supported his strong stand in the International Wood Workers Association (I.W.A.) strike of 1959. The fact that Smallwood kept these - items among his personal papers speaks to his own intimate involvement. In 1977, Smallwood retired from politics but he remained interested in - all things relating to Newfoundland. His work on his autobiographies and the encyclopedia also reflect the close relationship between his own - personal history and that of his nati - ve land. - - Smallwood's life from the time of his involvement in Newfoundland politics has been well documented but less is known about his early years. - This collection is able to fill in some of the gaps that have persisted through the publication of his autobiographies. Researchers using these - papers will be able to catch a glimpse of Smallwood's personal side especially his love of reading and writing, his journalistic adventures, and his - relationships with friends and family members. An avid collector, Smallwood emerges from these papers as a man of intense loves and hates, - passionate about his province above all else. - - |
| Date of Finding Aid | 2001 |
| Extent of Fonds | 22 meters |
| Publisher | Memorial University of Newfoundland. Libraries |
| Resource Type | Finding Aid |
| Type | Text |
| Format | xml |
| Identifier | COLL-285 |
| Language | en |
| Collection | Archives and Special Collections - Finding Aids (EAD) |
| Sponsor | Memorial University of Newfoundland. Libraries. Archives and Special Collections Division |
| Restrictions | There are no restrictions on access to or use of the material in this collection. Copyright regulations may apply. |
| CONTENTdm file name | 497.xml |
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