Details

Title

Bathing Scene, P.E. Island postcard

Author

Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud), 1874-1942.

Collection

L.M. Montgomery Institute. Ryrie-Campbell Collection.

Donor

Donated by Donna Jane Campbell.

Call Number(s)

936 SI PC LMM 1908

Abstract

Postcard with message from L.M. Montgomery addressed to "Miss Edith Russell" in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Edith May Russell (1877-1957) was hired to work in the newsroom of the Halifax, Nova Scotia newspaper 'The Daily Echo" in 1902, during the time L.M. Montgomery was employed there; notes in Montgomery's journals suggest the two kept in intermittent contact for some years thereafter, into the 1920s. The message on the card thanks Russell for her "quaint [?] pretty card and kind congratulations," but no further information is provided ('Anne of Green Gables' was not printed until April, 1908, and Montgomery did receive a copy herself until early June). Montgomery also asks for the address of a "Mr. McLellan"; research by the donor and the UPEI Library suggests that this refers to William Edward MacLellan (1855-1929), who was editor-in-chief of the Halifax 'Daily Echo' newspaper from 1900-1905, encompassing the time L.M. Montgomery worked there. The front of the card is a poor-quality coloured lithograph; Montgomery herself apologizes in her message for not having a "nicer" card to send.