Several weeks ago, I wrote about Wells River dairy farmer and wounded veteran from the Korean War in 1951, Dean Rowden, who passed away at age 94 in July 2025. He was a longtime community leader. He owned Rowden’s dairy, was a Wells River Savings Bank board official, candidate for public office and contributed in many other ways to the success of the Wells River area through the establishment of several local businesses.
In her letter I received last week, Ms. Paquette recounted how she enjoyed reading The Bridge Weekly newspaper especially enjoying stories about local people and their memories of past events. She grew up in Wells River and Woodsville and graduated from Woodsville High School in 1965.
She also told readers about the history of her family and how they came together with the Rowden family during their earlier years in the area. She also included a photograph of Dean Rowden and his younger brother, Bill, who made the Navy his life’s career and excelled at it.
I have included the text of the Paquette letter and the photograph she sent featuring Dean, his brother Bill and proud mother, Kathleen. What a great photograph it is, seeing an early image of Dean and Bill and Mom in a Wells River kitchen at some time during a short break in their military service.
Dean’s service included being seriously wounded in the Korea War in 1951. Brother Bill, a US Naval Academy graduate, served 36 years in the Navy, retiring as a Vice Admiral. The Paquette letter follows:
Dear Bernie:
As an avid reader of the Bridge Weekly, I especially enjoy reading memories of the past. I grew up in Wells River and Woodsville, graduating from Woodsville High in 165 – Our 60-year
celebration is coming up! I have long held a very sentimental attachment to “home” and so
enjoyed your tribute to our family friend, Dean Rowden.

A little history is appropriate here. My dad, Cliff Amadon arrived in Vermont from Canada in the
1920’s and worked for Dean’s grandfather Tom Rowden. Dad lived with Tom and his wife Ada
until, and even after his marriage, for a period of time. Dad and Henry Rowden (Dean’s dad)
were about the same age and worked together on the farm. My dad delivered milk and on
special occasions, I got to ride with him! Over the years, the Rowden Family remained a very
special part of our lives and do so to this day.

I thought you might like this photo which was taken in our kitchen in Wells River when the
“boys” were home from their military duties. Of course, you would recognize Dean in his Army
uniform and his younger brother Bill whom you know made the Navy his life and was eventually
the commander of the Pacific Fleet. They had stopped by for a visit with their very proud mom,
Kathleen.
Despite the many years between visits, I always feel I am coming home whern I visit Wells River
and Woodsville, Dean and Babe were always part of that feeling and were always so gracious
and welcoming… like the years just melted away. On one visit, Dean proudly pointed out the
beautiful maple trees that my dad had planted in front of their home. Sadly, several years later
those magnificent trees had to be removed due to the disease.

At any rate, I was so touched by your heartfelt column that I felt compelled to write and thank
you and share this photo of a beloved family.
Best wishes and thanks for the memories!
Jean Amadon Paquette







Beatrowdenletter
As an avid reader of the Bridge Weekly, I especially enjoy reading memories of the past. I grew up in Wells River and Woodsville, graduating from Woodsville High in 1965 - Our 60-year celebration is coming up! I have long held a very sentimental attachment to "home" and so enjoyed your tribute to our family friend, Dean Rowden.
A little history is appropriate here. My dad, Cliff Amadon arrived in Vermont from Canada in the 1920's and worked for Dean's grandfather Tom Rowden. Dad lived with Tom and his wife Ada until, and even after his marriage, for a period of time. Dad and Henry Rowden (Dean's dad) were about the same age and worked together on the farm. My dad delivered milk and on special occasions, I got to ride with him! Over the years, the Rowden Family remained a very special part of our lives and do so to this day.
I thought you might like this photo which was taken in our kitchen in Wells River when the "boys" were home from their military duties. Of course, you would recognize Dean in his Army uniform and his younger brother Bill whom you know made the Navy his life and was eventually the commander of the Pacific Fleet. They had stopped by for a visit with their very proud mom, Kathleen.
Despite the many years between visits, I always feel I am coming home when I visit Wells River and Woodsville. Dean and Babe were always part of that feeling and were always so gracious and welcoming...like the years just melted away. On one visit, Dean proudly pointed out the beautiful maple trees that my dad had planted in front of their home. Sadly, several years later those magnificent trees had to be removed due to disease.
At any rate, I was so touched by your heartfelt column that I felt compelled to write and thank you and share this photo of a beloved family.
Best wishes and thanks for the memories, Jean Amadon Paquette

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