Lucy Maude Montgomery Anne of Green Gables
On My Visit to Prince Edward Island: The Grave of Lucy Maud Montgomery
While visiting Prince Edward Island, I discovered the grave of Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her beloved series of novels that began in 1908 with Anne of Green Gables.
Born on November 30, 1874, in Clifton (now New London), just minutes from Cavendish, Lucy’s early life was marked by solitude. Much of her childhood was spent alone in the quiet landscapes of Cavendish, where she created imaginary friends and worlds to fill the loneliness.
At just 13 years old, in 1887, she wrote in her diary of her “early dreams of future fame.”
She went on to study literature at Dalhousie University in Halifax during 1895 and 1896, honing the craft that would captivate readers worldwide.
Sadly, on April 24, 1942, Montgomery was found dead in her Toronto home at the age of 67.
Over her lifetime, she published twenty novels, more than 500 short stories, an autobiography, and a book of poetry. Despite this prolific output, she modestly admitted near the end of her life, “I never felt I achieved the one ‘great’ book.”
In recognition of her work, King George V honoured her as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) — a prestigious accolade, especially notable given that Canada did not have civilian honour of its own until the 1970s.
1874-1942
