Norman Howe

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Norman Howe was born in 1907 and he completed his elementary and secondary education in Dryden.

Norman Howe started his employment at the Dryden Paper Company. He served in various positions at the Paper Company and eventually attained the position of Production Superintendent.

Mr. Howe was a voice supporting the cause of environmentalism before the environment was a concern. He started a wood lot where students were encouraged to learn about conservation through tree planting.

Mr. Howe served as a trustee with the Dryden High School Board for twenty-five years. He played a major role in the establishment of both the Forestry course at the High School and the school's Conservation Camp.

His major achievement was spearheading the building of the new high school at its present location on Casimir Avenue. After the Second World War, the community of Dryden was experiencing rapid economic growth and this was reflected in the increasing enrollment at the local schools. Poor facilities, over-crowding in the classroom and a chronic lack of equipment needed for extra-curricular activities were a major cause of frustration for both staff and students. While these were pressing issues at the school, the citizens of Dryden rejected a plebiscite that called for increased taxation to support the building of a new school. During this period of indecision, Mr. Howe continued to plead the case to both the Ministry of Education and to local politicians. His efforts were rewarded during the winter of 1949 when a department of Education official approved the construction of a new school. In retrospect, considering the growth that the community was experiencing, a new school would have eventually been built. But Mr. Howe's efforts insured that the funding was in place and that the planning was in progress years in advance of any other endeavor to construct a new school.

Mr. Howe was also involved in the community through the Rotary Club, of which he served as President. He was also active with The Chamber of Commerce and The Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Howe passed away in 1963

The Dryden High School Board ( this picture dates to the early 1950s>

Seated from left to right Ward Scott, Oscar Kurz, Norman Howe, Dr. Robinson, Sandy McIntyre (Royal Bank manager)

Back row left to right: Joe Ernewein, Don McKenzie, Duke McDonald (engineer at Dryden Paper Company)

There are three more images to see

Laying of the corner stone of DHS November 10, 1949

Norman Howe laying the corner stone of DHS November 10, 1949

l-R Norman Howe, H. Ashley Forman, F.W. Warren Architect

Mayor J. Skillen at right

Laying the cornerstone for the DHS. Norman Howe Board Chairman studies the stone as Pilkey & Noble contractor guides it. There was a box of artificats. Rev Father Dugall of St. Joe's church watches the proceedings.