Greenwood News Percy Nobbs Day and Treasures in the Attic
The Greenwood Centre for Living History will be hosting Percy Nobbs Day on September 5th in honour of one of Greenwood’s best-known residents, the talented architect Percy Erskine Nobbs. A special “Percy Nobbs Tour” will be offered at 1:30 p.m. followed by the screening of a short film created by Karen Molson, Helen Henshaw and Peter Mundie. The cost of the event is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Refreshments will be served.Born in Haddington Scotland, Percy Erskine Nobbs immigrated to Canada in the early twentieth century after having been offered the Chair of Architecture at McGill University. In 1909 he married Cecil Shepherd whose family had resided at Greenwood since the 1820’s. Percy and Cecil were married at St Mary’s Church and spent their summers at Greenwood along with their two children Frank and Phoebe. As an architect Percy designed in the Arts and Crafts style. His most famous building, now the McCord Museum, still stands on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal. In addition to architecture, Percy was also an enthusiastic painter, conservationist, athlete and outdoorsman. The special “Percy Nobbs Tour” will provide visitors with an in-depth look at Percy’s life and achievements. Later in the month, Greenwood will once again be hosting Treasures in the Attic on September 18th with both a live antique auction and silent auction. Expert appraisers will be present to assess your personal treasures from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Artists in the Garden
On Tuesday, July 20th,Greenwood's gardens served as inspiration to several West Island Artists who came to spend the day. The weather was beautiful and the flowers were in full bloom. We invite all Greenwood members to come and enjoy the grounds; bring your own paints or if you are not artistically inclined, perhaps a book and a picnic. Photo: Peter Mundie The Life and Times of Percy Nobbs
On Sunday, July 11th, Greenwood held home and garden tours followed by a play in the garden. The play focused on the life of Percy Nobbs, father of the late Phoebe Nobbs Hyde and promiment Montreal architect. Written by Christine Davet and directed by David Clayton, 'The Life and Times of Percy Nobbs' provided a glimpse into what life at Greenwood would have been like in the 1920s. The new gazebo doubled as a stage and the audience was afforded beautiful views of the Lake of Two Mountains while enjoying the play. Photo: Peter Mundie (Above from left to right; Christine Davet, Silvia McNally, Samantha Hodhod, Dave Fisher, Les Davis, David Clayton) Pre-StoryFest Event with Louise Penny
Best-selling mystery author (and former CBC radio host) Louise Penny launched Greenwood’s literary festival Storyfest for 2010 to a very appreciative audience at Hudson’s St. Mary’s Parish Hall, followed by a reception at the Greenwood House. Camille Leduc of À Temps Perdu was also there to supply Penny’s bestselling books (most current title The Brutal Telling for which she received her third Agatha Award for Best Mystery) for Penny’s book signing in the garden. Louise Penny is pictured above enjoying lunch on Greenwood's veranda before giving her presentation. Filming at Greenwood
Producer and cameraperson Helen Henshaw and writer/director Karen Molson, who have been working on a short film documenting the life and work of Percy Nobbs, were busy capturing this 're-enactment' scene on the lawn at Greenwood last Sunday morning. Percy Nobbs, played here by John Angus, teaches his grandson Peter Nobbs, played by Yan Schnell, the fine art of casting for trout. Mount Pleasant Students Visit Greenwood
On Friday June 11th, students, teachers, and even some parents came to hear about the history of Greenwood. After tours of the residence, everyone spilled out onto the lakeside lawns for lunch and play. Greenwood Singers Seen in Your Local Journal (June 10th)
Greenwood Singers return to St. Mary's
A painting of St. Mary's by Mary Cecilia Delesderniers June is now here, and that means the harmonious Greenwood Singer are about to return with another Songs for a Midsummer Evening concert at historic St. Mary's Anglican Church in Como. The concert will take place on Friday, June 4 at 7:30 pm. And as they have been doing for the better part of this century, the Greenwood Singers will again offer up their signature mix of traditional and current music, comprising songs both familiar and newly discovered. Tickets cost $22 and include the concert and the reception; they are available from Greenwood (please call 450-458-5396), from Frank Royle, A Temps Perdu, and May's Studio. Since their founding, the Greenwood Singers have made St. Mary's their main performance venue. This is especially fitting because, for as long as it has existed, that picturesque place of worship in the woods has been inextricably linked to Greenwood and the family of Phoebe Hyde. 2010 Opening SeasonDear friends of Greenwood, I am delighted to announce the beginning of our season! On Sunday, May 2, we will be holding our Opening Season Celebration and Annual General Meeting. It takes place at St. Mary's Church Hall, starting at 2pm. All are welcome! After a short AGM, we will be treated to live music performed by the KitchenCeilidh, delicious refreshments, and then the launch of our theme for thesummer "Remembering Percy Nobbs". Members of Theatre Panache will perform dramatic readings of excerpts from Percy Nobbs unpublished memoirs. This remarkable man, who is part of Greenwood's history, writes of his exploits at the Coronation of Nicholas 11 in St. Petersburg, fishing and sailing adventures, and how he obtained a medal in fencing at the 1909 Olympics. We hope you'll come and be part of this event. Our next event is the screening of the popular Film "Bright Star". This takes place on Monday, May 17th at the Hudson Village Theatre, at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at A Temps Perdu or by calling Greenwood (450-458-5396). Our many wonderful volunteers are reminded of two important dates: on Wednesday, May 7th, at 3 pm, we will be holding our Volunteer Tea, and on Saturday morning, May 15th, we are holding a Work Bee here at Greenwood. We would be delighted to have you join us. We hope to see you at Greenwood very soon. Happy Spring! Audrey Wall Greenwood Welcomes... |
