COMMUNITY
September 1910 Macphail Homestead, Orwell, PEI: “Earl Grey shook hands with me and began at once to talk about ‘Anne’ and the pleasure it had given him.”—Journals of L.M. Montgomery, 1910
In 1910, when Earl Grey, then Governor General, was planning a visit to the Island, he insisted that he meet Lucy Maud Montgomery at the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead in Orwell. When that day came, on September 16, she found it more than amusing.
On September 13, 2008 come and be amused by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Earl Grey and Sir Andrew Macphail as they re-enact the “water closet” conversation, mingle with the other guests and engage them in conversation about the important happenings of the early 20th century.
L .M. Montgomery wrote in her journal: “We went through the orchard and followed a little winding path past the trees until we came to a small white building… I could not say to Earl Grey ‘This is the Macphail water closet’—although that is what it was!” The two sat down on the steps of the building—blocking anyone’s chance of using the facilities. She would write: “I was suffering so acutely from a suppressed desire to laugh that I hardly knew what I was saying.”
Relax for afternoon tea and taste such treats as current scones, ribbon sandwiches, shortbread, raspberry cordial and of course, Earl Grey and other teas. Or come for the evening and enjoy a dinner with your hosts of scallop soup, apple-stuffed pork tenderloin and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Lemon Pie.
This is a major fundraiser by the Sir Andrew Macphail Foundation towards the operation and upkeep of the Homestead. Hours of operation are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7:30 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 4:30 pm. For reservations to the tea, dinner or for the dining room contact 902-651-2789 or reservations@macphailhomestead.ca.