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L.M. Montgomery House: The Leaskdale Manse
A Literary Landmark of Canadian Heritage
L.M. Montgomery House: The Leaskdale Manse
Introduction
The Leaskdale Manse: L.M. Montgomery House is officially designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, is a cherished Canadian literary landmark. This historic home in Leaskdale, Ontario, holds deep significance as the first home that Lucy Maud Montgomery—the famed author of Anne of Green Gables—could truly call her own. More than just a residence, it was a place of inspiration, personal joys, and profound struggles, where she penned eleven of her twenty-two novels.
Today, the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site stands as a tribute to one of Canada’s most beloved authors, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of L.M. Montgomery during her years in Leaskdale.
The Leaskdale Manse: A Home of Her Own
In 1911, L.M. Montgomery arrived in Leaskdale, a prosperous farming village in Ontario, as the new bride of Ewan Macdonald, a Presbyterian minister originally from Prince Edward Island. Ewan had taken on the pastoral role at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Leaskdale a year earlier.
The Leaskdale Manse, L.M. Montgomery House
For Montgomery, the move to Leaskdale was significant. It marked the first time she had a home of her own, a place where she could create, dream, and build a family. The Leaskdale Manse, a modest yet charming house, became the setting for some of the most prolific years of her career.
During her 15 years in Leaskdale, Montgomery gave birth to her two sons, Chester and Stuart, in the upstairs master bedroom of the Manse. Tragically, another son, Hugh, was stillborn and is buried in the Thomas Foster Memorial Cemetery south of Leaskdale.
A Literary Haven: Writing in Leaskdale
Though motherhood and the responsibilities of a minister’s wife occupied much of her time, Montgomery’s literary talent flourished in Leaskdale. She wrote eleven of her twenty-two novels here, continuing the stories of Anne Shirley, among other beloved characters.
Despite the beauty of the Ontario countryside, life in Leaskdale was not always idyllic for Montgomery. Her diaries, later published, reveal the challenges she faced—her husband’s struggle with mental illness, financial concerns, and the demands of parish life. Yet, through these struggles, she remained dedicated to her craft, pouring her experiences, emotions, and dreams into her writing.
A Warm Welcome to Leaskdale
When Montgomery arrived in Leaskdale in 1911, she was already a literary sensation. Having published Anne of Green Gables just three years earlier, her arrival in the village was met with great enthusiasm and curiosity. The community was eager to welcome the famous author into their midst.
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Leaskdale
The St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, where her husband Ewan Macdonald served, was a small but beautifully built country church. It had only been standing for five years when the Macdonalds arrived, featuring stunning stained glass windows and polished wooden pews. The congregation was divided between Leaskdale and Zephyr, requiring Ewan to serve both locations.
L.M. Montgomery’s Legacy and Honours
Montgomery’s literary achievements did not go unrecognized. Her contributions to Canadian literature and culture earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Being named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King George V in 1935.
- Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Letters of England.
- Membership in the Canadian Author’s Association and the Canadian Women’s Press Club.
- Receiving a silver medal from the Literary and Artistic Institute of France for her remarkable literary style.
Even beyond Canada, her work gained international acclaim, cementing her place among the greatest literary figures of the 20th century.
The Leaskdale Manse Today: A Historic Site
The Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site has been lovingly restored and preserved, offering guided tours, historical exhibits, and a glimpse into Montgomery’s world. Visitors can explore:
- The Manse, where Montgomery lived, wrote, and raised her family.
- St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, where her husband preached.
- The Leaskdale site, which offers insights into early 20th-century life in rural Ontario.
Historic Plaque outside the Leaskdale Manse, L.M. Montgomery House
For fans of Montgomery’s work, the site is a must-visit destination, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of the woman who brought Anne Shirley to life and made Prince Edward Island—and Canada—famous in literature.
Conclusion
The L.M. Montgomery House (Leaskdale Manse) is more than just a heritage home; it is a monument to one of Canada’s greatest writers. It stands as a testament to her creativity, resilience, and enduring legacy.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of Anne of Green Gables or simply a lover of Canadian history, a visit to this historic site provides a deeper appreciation for Montgomery’s life, work, and the challenges she faced in her personal and literary journey.
For those looking to explore Canada’s literary history, the Leaskdale Manse is a treasured gem that continues to inspire.
FAQs About the L.M. Montgomery House (Leaskdale Manse)
1. What is the significance of the Leaskdale Manse?
The Leaskdale Manse was L.M. Montgomery’s first real home, where she lived for 15 years and wrote eleven of her novels. It is now a National Historic Site preserving her legacy.
2. Where is the Leaskdale Manse located?
The Manse is located in Leaskdale, Ontario, Canada, a small rural village northeast of Toronto.
3. Can visitors tour the Leaskdale Manse?
Yes, the site offers guided tours showcasing Montgomery’s home, personal belongings, and historical exhibits related to her life in Leaskdale.
4. What books did L.M. Montgomery write while living in Leaskdale?
While at the Manse, Montgomery wrote eleven novels, including several in the Anne of Green Gables series, such as Anne’s House of Dreams and Rilla of Ingleside.
5. What challenges did Montgomery face while living in Leaskdale?
Though she found inspiration in Leaskdale, Montgomery also faced personal struggles, including her husband’s mental health issues and the pressures of being a minister’s wife.
6. Why is L.M. Montgomery an important figure in Canadian literature?
Montgomery’s work, particularly Anne of Green Gables, is considered one of Canada’s most beloved literary treasures. Her stories have been translated into over 36 languages and continue to captivate readers worldwide.
Explore More About L.M. Montgomery’s Life and Works
For anyone interested in literary history and Canadian heritage, the Leaskdale Manse is a fascinating destination that brings L.M. Montgomery’s world to life.
The Official Website of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario
Want to learn more about the history in Uxbridge or Uxbridge Historic homes? Visit our blog pages.
