Smallwood Interview 06A

• Main Author: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Educational Television Centre
• Other Authors: Smallwood, Joseph Roberts, 1900-1991 (Interviewee); Pitt, Robert D. W., 1953- (Interviewer);, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL)
• Format: Moving Image (Video)
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland. Educational Television Centre 1983
• Subjects: Smallwood; Joseph Roberts; 1900-1991; Socialism; Progressive Party (1912); New York (N.Y.) > Politics and government; Newfoundland and Labrador > Politics and government; Political campaigns > New York (State) > History; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/extension/id/1488

In response to a question from Robert Pitt, Mr. Smallwood describes his experiences with political parties in New York, specifically the Progressive Party; and what they taught him about politics and working in politics. Smallwood got a job at the New York Call, a socialist daily, in 1920, having also worked on papers in Halifax and Boston. He discusses the socialist movement in the United States and in New York, where he became actively involved in socialist and progressive causes. He notes that being a member of the M.C.L.I. Debating Club was great training in public speaking. He recalls an encounter with Eleanor Roosevelt when campaigning in New York. Smallwood's political activities, notably surrounding national freedom movements, continued when he returned to Newfoundland.