The Honourable William Earl Rowe 1894-1984
Text from the plaque
A veteran parliamentarian who subsequently served as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Rowe was born in Hull, Iowa and raised in Simcoe County. He early exhibited an interest in politics and in 1923 was elected to the provincial legislature as the Conservative member for Simcoe South. Two years later Rowe contested and won the federal seat for Dufferin-Simcoe, embarking upon a career in the House of Commons which, with the exception of one interruption during the late 1930's, spanned almost four decades. For his lengthy and dedicated service, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario in 1963. Upon leaving public life five years later, Rowe retired here to his farm where he had long operated a successful horse breeding and harness racing business.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Simcoe
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
In Newton Robinson, on Line 10 Road
.3 km east of Road 27, street number 4306
Also recorded for this place: The County of Simcoe · The County of Simcoe
N 44 07.637 W 79 40.919
Recorded June 2004. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
January 18, 2016
It was election night in 1956 or 1957. I was 16 or 17 years of age and not eligible to vote when my dance partner Phyllis and I entertained at Earl Rowe's farm. Until now I wasn't even aware that his first name was William. There was a truck set up for the entertainment. We actually performed on the back of the truck but dressed inside the house. What a fantastic evening with Mr. Rowe's constituents on the grounds where sandwiches, coffee and sweets were served. It was one of my many memories of the early years which I probably didn't appreciate fully at the time. I'm not sure what other entertainers where there but I do know the agent that booked us for that evening was Vince Mumford. Yes Earl Rowe did win the election that night. I now know what an important evening this was. Georgina Gibbard