| Summary: | 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 ...
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