On 5 August 2003 the Taranaki Daily News reported that, "Rowan Hall and Domain Committee chairman Vic Morgan said his committee would be putting up a small memorial to mark the site of the hall later in the year."

Plaque reads:

COMMEMORATION

 OF

ROWAN DISTRICT

FIRST SETTLED 1885

SCHOOL OPENED 1892

ON THIS CORNER BLOCK

SCHOOL CLOSED

DECEMBER 1938

1948-2003 USED AS

LOCAL HALL

ORIGINAL STONE PILES

INCORPORATED

Rowan was named after Capt Frederick Charles Rowan (1845-1892), ex-43th Regiment, Taranaki Rifle Volunteers and Armed Constabulary, who was, for several years, commander of the Pukearuhe Redoubt at White Cliffs. Rowan was severely wounded during the attack on Te Ngutu o te Manu in 1868.

He also initiated the project which saw the painting and installation of the 17 military hatchments in St Mary's Cathedral.

His wife, Ellis, became one of Australia's most celebrated botanical painters - see Topic below.

Related document:

Where Rowan Was Once (Daily News 21 June 2003)

 

Related Information

Website

Rowan Road (Word on the Street)

Link

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