L.M. Montgomery Research Group

Anne of Green Gables contest winners varied

A young Muslim woman originally from Saudi Arabia and a farmer from Ontario are among the winners of a national letter-writing contest in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Anne of Green Gables announced by Penguin Group Canada.
The letters by Sarah Khan of Mississauga, Ont. and Bill H. Wiebe of London, Ont., co-winners in the 18 and over category, were described by judges as “staggering,” “brave” “powerful” and “eloquent.”
Khan found a copy of the novel in a pile of trash left by American soldiers after the first Gulf War and instantly connected with L.M. Montgomerys heroine, while Wiebe identified with Anne even though she is female.

OTHER WINNERS INCLUDE:
- Age 8-10: Rebecca Brooks, Winnipeg, Man.
- Age 11-13: Traleena Rouleau, Ottawa.
- Age 15-17: Hannah Tufts, Winnipeg, Man.
Among the prizes each of the five winners will receive is a $2,500 travel voucher to visit Prince Edward Island.

The following information is provided to us by Yuka Kajihara, who invites interested persons to contact her directly.

Whether you are aware or not, there are numerous of Anne-related events happening in Japan! Recently I was asked to provide a resource on this matter by a journalist from Canwest News Service and I made a brief list of it:

• The exhibition entitled “Hanako Muraoka and Akage no An” is held at International Institute for Children’s Literature in Osaka, Japan between May and July. Because the first translators of Anne of Green Gables is Hanako Muraoka, there is no way to talk about Anne without her. See http://www.iiclo.or.jp/03_event/03_exhibition/akagenoan.html (<–The cover image of the magazine, “Girl’s Book” March 1957).

• The nationwide exhibition entitled “Anne of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery’s beloved PEI” starts in June until next June 2009. The display includes Magog (from Robert Montgomery), a few pages of manuscript from AoGG, LMM’s crazy quilt and more: http://www.anne100th.com/

• Embassy of Canada in Tokyo supports some of the events on “Anne”, such as Gekidan Shiki’s musical Anne of Green Gables: http://www.shiki.gr.jp/applause/anne/index.html
• Hanako Muraoka’s biography Anne’s Cradle written by her grand-daughter Eri Muraoka is published in June 2008. The cover image shows Anne & Green Gables: http://item.rakuten.co.jp/book/5683488/. Nowadays, the name of Hanako Muraoka (poet, translator, Children’s writer, radio personality) is popular only because of her translation of the Anne series.
• In celebrating 100th anniversary of Anne, newly revised edition of Akage no An (translated by Hanako Muraoka, revised by Mie Muraoka who is another grand-daughter of Hanako’s) is published by Shinchosha, Tokyo. In this edition, Mie added the portions that Hanako had omitted to translate in some unknown reasons. The publisher organizes an essay contest: http://www.shinchosha.co.jp/anne100/. The first prize winner(s) is given a PEI trip.
• Budge Wilson’s Before Green Gables is translated/published by Shinchosha in June. The Japanese title is Hello Anne. http://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/211339/ (<– cover image is not available yet).
• Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK) broadcast a special program “Welcome to the Anne’s World” in January. This one show was rebroadcast 2 more times due to popular demand. It includes a letter by Luella and some photographs of Luella with the letter that Jason took. You can see the pictures, and as well as pictures of Luella’s. One is of lover’s lane given to her by LMM and the other is a picture of Luella as a baby being held by LMM. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/complicitytheory/sets/72157603293739689/. Some of you might find it funny that we actually took these photos in a sushi bar in Yorkville. Luella’s favourite place.
• NHK also broadcast a tree-month long (from April to June) English conversation program “The journey to Akage no An.” http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/3month/index.html. I heard that the textbook of this program has sold more than 130,000 copies so far. That figure is incredible! Anne is not only a gateway to learn PEI but also to learn English to Japanese audience. The staff visited PEI last Summer. Here is an article about them in the Guardian: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=48277&sc=98 (”Japanese film crew tapes Anne program on P.E.I.”).
• There are many other Anne-related things happening in Japan: smaller production size of musicals, another exhibitions of Anne and many other publications. A scholarly book on Anne to which I contributed will be published soon. A short biography of L.M. Montgomery for Juvenile readers by Miki Okuda was published in March. And the Nippon Animation Co., LTD sells a boxed set of DVD entitled, “Akage no An: the DVD Memorial Box.” http://www.akageno-anne.jp/home.html.
• As you probably already know, the first translator of AOGG into Japanese is Hanako Muraoka (1893-1968). Muraoka once worked for a publisher Kyobunkan in Tokyo which was originally established by Methodist missionaries from the USA, in 1885. This is the place Muraoka first met Canadian missionary Miss Loretta L. Shaw. In 1939, before leaving Japan due to the WWII, Shaw gave a copy of Anne of Green Gables to Muraoka as a keepsake. Kyobunkan is now having special events in order to celebrate Hanako’s work & Anne’s 100th anniversary.
• June 21 - July 16. “Akage no An This exhibition is focusing on Muraoka’s work and displays books translated by her, including L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Eleanor Porter and more. Along with these books, photographs of PEI taken by well known photographer Kazutoshi Yoshimura are displayed. and the work of Hanako Muraoka” at Nalnia Hall, Kyobunkan, in Tokyo.
• June 29. 2-3 p.m. Eri Muraoka Gallery Talk at Narnia Hall, Kyobunkan. Eri is Hanako’s grand-daughter who recently published a biography of Hanako. Her talk is entitled (loosely translated) “The very first Akage no An: a promise to Miss Shaw, editor of Kyobunkan.”
• Related sites: http://www.kyobunkwan.co.jp/ (Kyobunkan); http://club.pep.ne.jp/~r.miki/index_e.htm (Anne Memorial Room, Hanako Muraoka Study Room; http://kaz-yoshimura.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/ (Kazutoshi Yoshimura’s blog)

Just found this upcoming event for anyone in the Guelph area…
Alumni & Friends - Get Involved | University of Guelph

Wednesday, May 21, 2008:  AIA Annual Spring Luncheon
Join the Alumni-In-Action at their Spring Luncheon in the Arboretum.  This annual event starts at 11:30 a.m. with a reception with lunch served at 12 noon.  At 12:45 pm, Professor Mary Rubio, editor of the LM Montgomery Collection at the University of Guelph will speak on the topic entitled “Anne in the Archives.”  2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the publications of Lucy Maud Montgomerys novel “Anne of Green Gables,” and we have great reason to celebrate at the University of Guelph.  The McLaughlin Library is home to the largest archival collection of LM Montgomery personal archival material in the world.  Tickets are $20 per person.  Registration can be done online, by email, by calling 519 824-4120 ext. 56934 or by mail:  Alumni House, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1.  Please note that the entrance to the Arboretum is now off College Avenue.

SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008
Lillooet Room (Exhibit) & Dobson Room (Symposium)
Irving Barber Learning Center
University of British Columbia Library

Organized by
Ryerson University’s Modern Literature & Culture Research Center
With the Support of the Social Sciences and Research Council of Canada and the International Canadian Studies Centre at UBC

These May 31 events mark the opening of the exhibition Anne of Green Gables: A Literary Icon at 100, May 31 to June 8, 2008. The exhibit takes place in the Historic Lillooet Room, Irving Barber Learning Center; the exhibit symposium takes place in the adjoining Dobson Room. Both the Exhibit and the exhibit symposium are open to the public.

Exhibit Symposium Program

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, DOBSON ROOM
Anne of Green Gables: A Literary Icon at 100: Leading and Emerging Scholars Reflect on Anne of Green Gables in the Centenary Year / Chair: Irene Gammel

This round table of scholars is dedicated to taking stock of Canada’s most famous literary icon at its centenary anniversary, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. What is behind the popularity of the novel? What is its current global value and status? What is its future in Canada and the world? Each speaker, a recognized or emerging scholar, has five minutes to make a brief statement, which can be personal and scholarly, before we open to general discussion and audience question and answer.

Participants include:

• Deirdre Baker, University of Toronto
• Dr. Cecily Devereux, University of Alberta
• Dr. Janice Fiamengo, University of Ottawa
• Dr. Irene Gammel, Ryerson University
• Dr. Carole Gerson, Simon Fraser University
• Dr. Benjamin Lefebvre, University of Alberta, L. M. Montgomery Research Group
• Dr. Mavis Reimer, Canada Research Chair in the Culture of Childhood, University of Winnipeg
• Dr. Margaret Steffler, Trent University, L. M. Montgomery Society of Ontario.

12:15 AM – 1:00 AM, DOBSON ROOM
Looking for Anne; Exhibit Opening and Booksigning: With Curator and Author Irene Gammel

The exhibit opening talk in Dobson Room is followed by an exhibit tour and book signing by Irene Gammel in Lillooet Room. Irene Gammel’s book Looking for Anne: How Lucy Maud Montgomery Dreamed Up a Literary Classic (Key Porter) accompanies the exhibit as the catalogue. Refreshments will be served.

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Guided Tours of the Exhibit in Lillooet

4:00 4:30 PM Anne of Green Gables: New Directions
A Workshop Co-hosted with the University of Toronto Press

A workshop for contributors to the collection of essays edited by Irene Gammel and tentatively titled Anne of Green Gables: New Directions (papers due August 15). Informal question and answer format.

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM, DOBSON ROOM
Anne of Green Gables: New Directions at 100
ACCUTE: Association for Canadian College and University Teachers of English
Organizers/Chairs: Irene Gammel and Benjamin Lefebvre

Alexander MacLeod (Saint Mary’s), “On the Road from Bright River: Shifting Social Space in Anne of Green Gables”

Jason Nolan (Ryerson) “Anne of the Undead: Changeling Child and the Uncanny in Avonlea”

Alison Matthews David and Kimberly Wahl (Ryerson) “Taste and Transformation: Negotiating Codes of Fashion in Avonlea”

6:00 – 7:00 PM Exhibit Tour
Lillooet Room

Today I received notices of three separate L.M. Montgomery events and exhibits and a video.

From Mary Beth Cavert (Minnesota): A link to a page devoted to details and photos of the L.M. Montgomery Literary Society’s first Anne event;

From Rita Bode (Trent University): A notice that Robarts Library of the University of Toronto has launched its own exhibit titled “Picture of Green Gables Farm,” which runs from 21 April to 21 May 2008 on the first floor of the Robarts Library. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables, the collection includes a number of editions, translations, adaptations, other books by the author, and items related to Prince Edward Island.

From Helen Salmon (University of Guelph library): Between 23 and 26 October 2008, the University of Guelph will host “The Cultural Influence of Lucy Maud Montgomery,” a symposium that will focus on Guelph’s extensive archival collection of Montgomery materials:

The university has undertaken an extensive digitization project to make its extensive collection of Montgomery memorabilia — including her private journals, scrapbooks, handiwork, photographs, and other records - more accessible to Montgomery scholars and fans everywhere. The symposium will offer the very first opportunity to explore the newly launched collections website, examine the archival collections first-hand, view an L.M. Montgomery exhibit at the University’s art gallery, and listen to speakers who will explore her impact on readers, writers, and women in the 20th century. Join with Canada’s foremost Montgomery scholars, biographers, enthusiasts, and fans to recognize her world-wide legacy and explore the mystery of her creativity. This four day weekend event will include coach tours to view several of  L.M. Montgomery’s residences in Ontario, the opening of an art exhibit,  film viewings, panel discussions, and scholarly presentations which will highlight author’s contributions to literary and popular culture.

Finally, Yuka has sent me a link to a video of a Leaskdale event also commemorating the centenary—please click here to see it.

The “Anne of Green Gables: A Literary Icon at 100″ exhibit is now open to the public at Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens (285 Spadina Road, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM) until September 2. Be sure to also check out Irene Gammel’s blog for more information and updates. Also, the opening reception for the exhibit will coincide with the book launch for Looking for Anne on 1 May 2008 between 5:30 and 7:30 PM at Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens. If you care to attend, please send a message to rsvp@keyporter.com. Finally, Key Porter Books has launched its own website devoted to Looking for Anne, which includes a downloadable extract from the book, an interview with the author, little-known facts, and reviews. It can be found here.

Peter Goddard’s article “Genesis of Anne of Green Gables,” about Irene Gammel’s exhibition of Anne materials, appeared in the Toronto Star on Saturday—it can be accessed here.

Heaslip House, 7th Floor, Ryerson University
Monday, April 7, 9 AM to 7 PM

Program Highlights

Patron Kate Macdonald Butler, Heirs of L.M. Montgomery, will address the audience

Organized by ASC 800 students, Ryerson University, the event involves 30 student and scholar participants from Ryerson and many other universities including University of Alberta, Brock University, Guelph University, University of London (UK), University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and York University.

Participation by recognized scholars, creative writers, journalists, librarians such as

• Dr. Hildi Froese Tiessen (Waterloo) & Dr. Paul Tiessen (Wilfrid Laurier), Authors of After Green Gables
• Dr. Irene Gammel (Ryerson), Author of Looking for Anne
• Dr. Helen Hoy (Guelph), Author of How Should I Read These?
• Yuka Kajihara & Dr. Jason Nolan (Ryerson), L. M. Montgomery Research Group
• Dr. Benjamin Lefebvre (Alberta), L. M. Montgomery Research Group
• Elizabeth MacLeod (Toronto), Author of Lucy Maud Montgomery
• Leslie McGrath, Head of Osborne Collection of Children’s Literature, Toronto Public Library
• Dr. Margaret Steffler (Trent)
• Judy Stoffman (Toronto Star) and many more

Installation of Anne merchandise (by Ryerson student Laura Brown) and exhibits of new books, cover images, the 1934 Hollywood film, etc.

Exhibit of costume including Anne’s Puffed Sleeves Dress (reconstructed by Ryerson Fashion student Katelyn van Massenhoven)

Original research findings on Hilton Hassell, Toronto illustrator of the first Canadian cover images of Anne of Green Gables, published with Ryerson Press in 1942 and 1964 (presented by Ryerson ACS student Mandy Wilson)

Creative Performances by Anne Shirley (aka Jessica Frey)

Refreshments throughout the day and Reception from 6-7 PM
All welcome free of charge
Book prizes

For more information
www.annecentenary.com / click on STUDENTS
* To receive updates, please sign your name in the “Stay in touch” section

Contact
LAURA BROWN (16brown@ryerson.ca) OR
JULIE-ANN WASHINGTON (jwashing@ryerson.ca)
anne100@mlc.ryerson.ca
(416) 979-5000 ext. 4771

I’m guessing this is in vancouver?

Herstory Cafe
Monday
March 31, 2008
7:00pm-9:00pm

One Hundred Years of Anne:
Lucy Maud Montgomery
with Carole Gerson, SFU English professor

Sylvia Hotel
in the meeting room
1154 Gilford St. on English Bay

Before Green Gables and 100 Years of Anne Shirley

This episode comes to you from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, where a large group of people braved a moderate snowstorm to attend the launch of Before Green Gables, the prequel of Anne of Green Gables.

The book launch coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the introduction of Anne Shirley to the world. To mark the occasion, Canada Post has unveiled two new stamps one for Anne Shirley and one for Prince Edward Island, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled their new Anne Shirley quarter and Girl Guides of Canada have unveiled a new patch.

This episode of Just One More Book includes interviews with author Budge Wilson, editor Helen Reeves, LM granddaughter Kate Macdonald Butler, the Right and Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, LM Montgomery expert Betsy Epperly, publicist Alina Goldstein and the many voices of Anne Shirley enthusiasts.

Visit the site and click on the interview link for the audio.