Bookish Places: L.M. Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in New London, Prince Edward Island, on 30 November 1874 and went on to become one of Canada’s most celebrated authors. Although she published 20 novels and 530 short stories, her most beloved work remains the Anne of Green Gables series which brought her international recognition. Montgomery had a deep love for Prince Edward Island and since many of her novels were set there, many visitors were drawn to the place, particularly Cavendish where Montgomery was raised. As a result L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site of Canada was established to preserve her legacy and the landmarks associated with her. As interest in Anne of Green Gables continues to grow with film and television adaptations, the tourism created has become a vital part of the island’s economy.
Green Gables House
The Green Gables House is situated in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, and is open daily between May and October. The farm is part of the wider L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site of Canada and was originally owned by the MacNeil family who were relatives of the author. When LM Montgomery used it as inspiration for the fictional Green Gables, the farm became a focal point for fans of the books so the Canadian government purchased the property in 1936. The farm was originally used to showcase the 19th century farming way of life, however a massive refurbishment was undertaken in the 1970s to model the house as it was portrayed in the books. Several rooms have been converted, including the formal parlour, the kitchen, the dining room and Anne Shirley’s bedroom. The website also has a virtual tour of the house for those who can’t make it in person.
Green Gables Visitor Centre
The Green Gables Visitor Centre was officially opened in August 2019 as the existing areas were considered too small to cope with the increasing number of visitors and there was a dire need for more exhibition space. As well as the usual visitor facilities, the place showcases the life and career of LM Montgomery with a particular emphasis on the Anne of Green Gables book. The design itself was inspired by farm buildings in the area so that it would be a sympathetic addition. The centre also tells the story of the Mi’kmaq people in Cavendish.
Anne of Green Gables Museum
The Anne of Green Gables Museum is located on the Campbell homestead in Park Corner, Prince Edward Island, and is open from May to October. The house was built in 1872 by Annie and John Campbell who were LM Montgomery’s aunt and uncle, and she referred to it as “the Wonder Castle of My Childhood”. The museum was officially opened to the public in 1972 and it contains many of LM Montgomery’s personal belongings, such as the blue chest that featured in The Story Girl and the patchwork quilt the author laboured over in her teenage years. Once you have explored the museum, you can explore the area on Matthew’s Carriage Ride and visit the famous “Lake of Shining Waters”. The gift shop has many licensed Anne products specially designed by the Campbell family and other local artists.
Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace
The Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace is located in New London, Clifton, Prince Edward Island, and is open from May to October. LM Montgomery was born in the house on 30 November 1874 to Hugh John Montgomery and Clara Woolner Macneill. As her mother died of tuberculosis soon after, Montgomery went to live with her maternal grandparents on their homestead in Cavendish. The birthplace museum allows you to visit the room where the author was born and has numerous scrapbooks that recount Montgomery’s student days at Prince of Wales College. The museum also has a replica of Montgomery’s wedding dress on display, as well as other artefacts belong to the Montgomery family.
Avonlea Village
The Avonlea village is situated in New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, and is a recreation of the fictional village with replicas of houses and quaint shops in a heritage setting inspired by Anne of Green Gables. The village has a number of eating establishments and gift shops. The village also features the Belmont Schoolhouse Montgomery taught in, the 1906 Minister’s Residence, and the 1872 Historic Long River Church that Montgomery attended. The village is only open during the summer months but visitors will also be treated to re-enactments from the books by actors who will also wander around greeting visitors in character.
Leaskdale Manse National Historical Site
After her marriage to the Reverend Ewen Macdonald, Montgomery moved with him to Uxbridge, Ontario, where they lived in Leaskdale Manse for the next fifteen years. While at the manse, Montgomery wrote eleven novels, including Anne of the Island (1915) and Anne’s House of Dreams (1916), as well as a series of journals. Montgomery also gave birth to her three children, Chester, Hugh and Stuart, while living here. The manse and the former St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church where Ewan Macdonald was minister from 1910 to 1926 are now owned by the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario. The museum incorporated into the manse focuses on Montgomery’s life in Leaskdale.