“Lucy Maud Montgomery lived in Leaskdale for 15 years and wrote 11 books while there,” according to Kathy Wasylenky, President of the Lucy Maude Montgomery Society of Ontario. “She continues to be Canada’s best-known author world wide. Anne of Green Gables is one of very few Canadian books that have officially become classics on the world scene.”

While the author’s descriptions of Prince Edward Island are famous, she also described many striking scenes from her years in the Durham Region village of Leaskdale, where she lived in the yellow brick church manse with her husband and where her children were born. This special connection is celebrated on October 23, from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., staring with tea, coffee and snacks, followed by a presentation by Donna Campbell, one of the foremost collectors of LMM books, and a presentation by the LMMSO on the influence of the landscape of Leaskdale on Maud’s writing, “particularly an area down the sideroad that many considered to be ‘Rainbow Valley.’” Scenes from the local grist mill pond will be paired with quotes from Montgomery’s writings so you can draw your own conclusions. A lasagna lunch is followed by Anne Kathleen McLaughlin’s performance of her one-woman play Maud of Cavendish. “This play has been performed many times throughout the Maritimes and Ontario. It is a great performance,” said Kathy. All this and a tour of the restored manse is only $25. For tickets call Kathy at 905-852-5284.