SeacoastNH.com Presents
Historic Portsmouth #337

Dipping into our ancient mailbag we find this not so bright and cheery card from a former Portsmouth mayor 1943. There was a war on and good cheer was being rationed. The message reads: “Seasons Greetings from the mayor of Portsmouth NH and his secretary, Mayor and Mrs. Stewart Everett Rowe.” It is signed “Lily and Stewart.”  (Continued below)

This particular card was inscribed on the back to an employee in the City Water Office. The message reads: “Dear Friend, Mrs. Rowe and I wish to truly thank you for your part in presenting me with the beautiful desk set, when I was ending my terms as mayor.” Historian Ray Brighton reported that Rowe kept a noose hanging from a chandelier in his law office as a sign of victory over his legal opponents. Mayor Rowe was succeeded by the colorful Charles M. Dale (also a NH governor) and then by Mary C. Dondero, the mother of another mayor, Eileen Foley.  (Photo courtesy of the Portsmouth Athenaeum)

SeacoastNH.com / Portsmouth Athenaeum