Explore This Charming Small Town And Discover The Legacy Of Lucy Maud Montgomery
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Photos supplied by Erin Horrocks-Pope
By: Erin Horrocks-Pope
As a writer and mother inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery—who is best known for her novel “Anne of Green Gables ”—my visit to Leaskdale, Ontario, was a deeply personal journey. Leaskdale, a small village 10 minutes outside Uxbridge, holds a significant place in Montgomery's life and work. Montgomery wrote half of her 22 books in Leaskdale.
Upon arriving, I was struck by how much of the village remains as it would have been during Montgomery's time there: from 1911 to 1926. The serene, rural landscape— sprinkled with historic homes on rolling hills and quaint charm—immediately made me understand why Montgomery found inspiration here. Though the town has evolved, its essence, which influenced Montgomery's writing, is certainly still felt.
My first stop was the Leaskdale Church, where Montgomery's husband served as minister. The church is a key site in Montgomery's life. Sitting in the same pew where Montgomery once sat with her young boys, watching her husband's sermons, I felt a sense of peace and reflection.
It was on July 5, 1911, when Lucy Maud Montgomery married Ewan Macdonald, a Presbyterian minister. The couple had been secretly engaged for a year while Macdonald began his pastoral duties at the church in Leaskdale. After their wedding, and a honeymoon in the British Isles, Montgomery moved to the village.
The residents had eagerly helped Pastor Macdonald prepare their new home, the Leaskdale Manse (The Manse), just across the street from the church. My tour guide for the day, Melanie Whitfield, president of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario (LMMSO), shared that the community greeted her with great enthusiasm.
Walking through the rooms of the Manse, I felt a strong connection to Montgomery. I could almost see her writing at her desk, drawing inspiration from her beautiful surroundings. The Manse has been carefully restored and preserved, giving visitors a real sense of Montgomery's life during her time there. In some areas, you can even see the original forest green floor painted by Macdonald and his congregation in preparation for Montgomery's arrival.
Montgomery's life in Leaskdale was not without its challenges. Her diaries reveal the complexities she faced, from her husband's struggles with mental health to her own experiences of depression and child loss. Despite her challenges, she remained dedicated to her craft, often finding solace in her writing, gardening, and the natural beauty of Leaskdale.
Visiting Leaskdale was more than just a chance to learn about Montgomery's life; it was an opportunity to reflect on my own journey. Like Montgomery, I juggle the demands of writing, motherhood, and managing mental health. But, standing in the rooms where she wrote and lived, I felt a sense of solidarity with her struggles and triumphs. Montgomery's resilience and dedication to her craft inspire me to keep pursuing my passion for writing, even on the toughest days.
These historical sites in Leaskdale are thanks to Wilda Clark, a passionate advocate for Lucy Maud Montgomery's legacy. During her life, Clark was instrumental in preserving the author's heritage in Leaskdale. Her passion and dedication led to the founding of the LMMSO.
This year, the LMMSO in partnership with the Township of Uxbridge and other local companies and organizations, is hosting various ‘Nod to Maud’ events to celebrate Montgomery's 150th birthday. These events are an excellent way for fans of her work to come together, appreciate her stories, and honour her legacy.
My visit to Leaskdale allowed me to connect with the life and work of one of my literary heroes in a very personal way. Walking in Montgomery's footsteps, seeing the places that inspired her, and learning about her challenges and achievements has deepened my appreciation for her legacy.
For any fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery, a trip to Leaskdale, located within Durham Region, is a must.
Learn more about Lucy Maud Montgomery’s legacy, Nod to Maud events, and tours of the Church and Manse on the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario’s website.
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