Theodore H. Rowell

Theodore H. Rowell. , “Anyone who doesn’t believe in God hasn’t been to Lake of the Woods County” , Ted Rowell, Sr., The astounding legacy of Ted Rowell, Sr. remains evident throughout the Lake of the Woods area., A youthful Ted Rowell began his scientific investigations while working on the Northern Blue Fox farm, co-owned by Ted’s father, Joseph Rowell. Ted noted that the foxes developed beautiful coats when fed a diet of burbot (ellpout), a fish that had no value to the area’s commercial fishermen. He often wondered what connection the freshwater cod had to those luxuriant fox coats. These insightful investigations would lead Ted Rowell to establish a world-renowned pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Northern Minnesota. , Ted continued his research after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Pharmacy and discovered that burbot liver oil was eight times as rich in vitamins A and D as cod liver oil, which was a popular curative of the times. Ted capitalized on his findings and, in 1933, formed the Burbot Liver Products Company. , The initial plant soon outgrew its start-up location near Wheeler’s Point and was moved to Baudette. In 1949 the name of the company was officially changed to Rowell Laboratories Incorporated. Over the years Rowell Labs, as local residents knew it, became internationally known and respected and successfully marketed over 200 products. , Ted had a strong conviction to make the city of Baudette a thriving community. During his term as Mayor of Baudette the city built a new hospital, international airport, sewage disposal plant, and installed a new city well system. , Rowell also served as chairman for the International Bridge Committee and helped raise over one and a half million dollars for the construction of the bridge linking Baudette and Rainy River, Ontario. , People who enjoy the pristine waters of the Rainy River have Ted to thank for his tireless efforts as a conservationist. Rowell spearheaded efforts to eliminate pollution in the Rainy River. He is also recognized as the county’s first tree farmer. , Ted often worked quietly behind the scenes, not seeking recognition for what he considered acts of love for the area that had given him so much.