Greenwood News
Greenwood news is worth sharing with friends!
Coming up at Greenwood:
Celebrating the Performing Arts
by AUDREY WALLThe beautiful garden at Greenwood is getting lots of use this summer. Upcoming events bring three different artistic events to the historic setting on the lake. First, on Sunday, July 24th, The Greenwood Poets will present readings in the gazebo. Two weeks later, on Aug. 7th, harpist and singer Caitlyn Bowser will delight guests as she performs in the garden. And finally, the ever popular Theatre on the Lawn returns Aug. 21st, with performances taking place at 11:30pm and 1:30pm. On July 24th and Aug. 7th, guests are invited to take a tour of the 279-year-old home at 1:30pm or at 3:30pm, with the poetry recitations (the 24th) and harp concert (the 7th) presented at 2:30pm. Admission is $10, and includes tours, performances and refreshments. Reservations can be made by calling Greenwood at 450-458-5396.
The Greenwood Poets began as a group five years ago, following a Poetry event that took place during StoryFest. Under the leadership of Sandra Stephenson, the group began meeting monthly at Greenwood to share their readings and organize workshops. In the last few years, they have moved to performing public readings throughout the area, and have published two books: Passages, and .Portrait of Greenwood. Several of the Greenwood poets have also published their own works.
Caitlyn Bowser is a Hudsonite, who hopes to move to the Turks and Caicos in the fall. A harpist and classically trained singer, she has been performing as a classical, Celtic and contemporary vocalist for over 20 years, and has been playing professionally on the Lever Harp since 2004. She will perform a set of storytelling songs, in honour of Phoebe's legacy. Caitlyn recalls Phoebe dressing up and acting out stories and tales for her when she was little. For more information on Caitlyn, visit her website at: www.flamingoharp.com.
The Hudson Players Club continues to perform a summer piece at Greenwood, following in the tradition of Phoebe Hyde, who had annual productions on the lawn. This year, “The Romancers” (by Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac), will be performed as part of Greenwood’s Theatre on the Lawn. A spoof of Romeo and Juliet, the action takes place in one day and follows two neighbouring fathers who pretend to hate each other when in fact they are best friends. They hope that their children, tempted by the forbidden, will fall in love and marry. The deception, however is not complete and hilarity ensues. Directed by Mary Vuorela, this play will be the major piece of the afternoon, with several surprise pieces to be added in!
As printed in the Hudson Gazette of July 20, 2011 Terry O'Shaughnessy in Greenwood Gardens
On July 10th, Terry O'Shaughnessy was our first guest of the "Writers Who Garden, Gardeners Who Write" series, here at Greenwood. After home tours and refreshments in the garden, visitors heard Terry speak about her passion for all sorts of gardens, from the historic and mythic to her own. Greenwood has Sunday events every second Sunday in the summer. Our next event is July 24th with the Greenwood Poets.
Greenwood Presents “Writers Who Garden, Gardeners Who Write” July 10th
by AUDREY WALL What could be more appropriate than combining a Home and Garden Tour of the oldest home in our region with one of our favorite writers, talking about gardening? This special Sunday event is coming up July 10th at the Greenwood House (254 Main Road).
Hudson’s own Terry O’Shaughnessy will be our first guest in a new series called “Writers Who Garden, Gardeners Who Write”. The brainchild of Julie Gedeon, a member of the StoryFest Committee, this idea had appeal from the beginning. With a long list of talented writers/gardeners on hand, the committee selected Terry as their inaugural speaker- a natural fit for Greenwood. Terry is a member of the Greenwood Singers and a frequent visitor to Greenwood. She feels very much at home in the gardens here.
Terry writes a weekly blog called In the Garden for the West Island Edition of the Montreal Gazette. Over the past three years, she has attracted a loyal following, and writes about “why-to” rather than “how-to” garden! She is extremely fond of garden history and lore, and in the fall, she plans to publish a collection of her blogs. Terry is also the executive editor of Your Local Journal!
On Sunday, visitors can come for a tour of this very beautiful historic home at 1:30pm or 3:30pm. At 2:30, Terry will speak to our guests about what how she combines her interest in gardening and writing. Admission for the afternoon is $10; refreshments will be included. For reservations, please call 450-458-5396.
Appeared in July 7th edition of Your Local Journal.
MP Jamie Nicholls Visits Greenwood From Left to Right: Director Audrey Wall, MP Jamie Nicholls, President Diane Ratcliffe, Julie D'Aoust, and volunteer Darryl Seaman. ‘Passages’ opens at Greenwood Centre
Exhibition explores First Nations ties
 by JIM DUFF
HUDSON — Like everything else at Greenwood, there’s a story within a story about how ‘Passages,’ the museum’s new exhibition, came into being.
Was it when Darryl Seaman and his crew of volunteers took on the project of renovating the late Phoebe Hyde’s study? Was it when summer intern and avid historian Julie D’Aoust got the funding and the green light to begin assembling Greenwood’s extensive but chaotic collection of First Nations artifacts into a professionally curated exhibition?
Or did it all begin when marauding Mohawks kidnapped New England teenager Sarah Hansen in 1725 and brought her to Oka, where the 16-year-old Quaker girl was ransomed by Jean-Baptiste Sabourin, her husband to be?
D’Aoust, a first-year McGill med student working her second summer at Greenwood, has given the 279-year-old treasure trove a much-needed focus so that visitors can begin their own voyages of discovery somewhere.
At Sunday’s official opening, D’Aoust described how her year-long project began with Phoebe’s passing and worked backwards to Hansen’s ordeal. “I began looking around and realized what an amazing collection of artifacts we had.”
D’Aoust’s focus, Seaman’s renovations and a grant from the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network have allowed the museum to showcase material that would otherwise have never seen the light of day, says former Greenwood director Bill Young. “The bane of museums is the stuff you don’t show.”
Greenwood’s long history with the First Nations and the Mohawk community of Kanesatake across the Ottawa was a logical place to start. It begins with Sabourin and Hansen, continues through five generations of Delesderniers, Shepherds and Nobbs to end with Phoebe Hyde, Greenwood’s self-appointed custodian and last resident. Her own ties were through Greenwood’s gardener/handyman Ronnie Gabriel.
In her researches, D’Aoust has uncovered a wealth of little-know lore, such as a July 1, 1817 letter from a second-generation Delesderniers to his father noting the East Indian market for crystallized ‘jensang,’ Quebec’s wild ginseng harvested in abundance on both sides of the river. ‘Native Elder’ a striking pastel by Russian-born Canadian artist Nicholas de Grandmaison, finally has the prominence it deserves. There’s also a sit-down audio exhibit where visitors are transported back to Hyde’s “Indian Days” on the lawn where she held celebrations for her friends from Kanesatake.
Thanks to Seaman and his volunteers, D’Aoust’s exhibition has an attractive, well-lit space, but their labours are another story. Greenwood’s executive and members who gathered Sunday to honour Seaman heard how a simple lighting installation turned into a two-month project that included jacking a staircase, replacing a wall and rebuilding the ceiling. The changes have made Greenwood’s amazing collection far more accessible.Passages is open to the general public as of today (June 29) and visitors are welcome to stop by throughout the summer (Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-3pm).
To become a member of Greenwood Centre for Living History visit: www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org or drop by 254 Main Road, Hudson. Call for more information at 450-458-5396.
As printed in the Hudson Gazette, June 29, 2011
279 year-old Greenwood House charms visitors by AUDREY WALL
 If you’re looking for a place to bring your visitors this summer, look no farther. The Greenwood Centre at 254 Main Road—has been charming visitors in recent weeks.
Greenwood House itself, and its lavish gardens, are in fine shape, and guests stepping inside the 279 year-old home are amazed as they discover the rich history the house stores, the beautiful table setting in the dining room, and the stories the guides tell as they tour the home of the remarkable residents that lived at Greenwood.
A recent visitor from London, Ontario was so taken with the house and its history she asked for a membership, as she wanted to stay in touch with Greenwood via our semi-annual newsletters.
Another visitor from Ireland re-marked that this was the best place she had seen in her travels to Montreal and area. A kindly retired teacher brought a neighbour on an afternoon excursion; they stopped by after seeing the sandwich boards on the street advertising that the museum was open for visits. The elderly neighbour sat on the porch sipping tea, as a gentle breeze blew off the lake and the scent of peonies filled the air, and declared that she was moving in!
The Greenwood House and Gardens are open for visits from the public Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and every second Sunday.
Special groups can call for tours out- side of these hours. In the past month, the house has been used as a meeting place for groups—artists, bridge players, book clubs etc.
If you have a group that would like to make use of this magnificent home, please call 450-458-5396. For more in- formation about The Greenwood Centre for Living History, visit our website at www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org
As seen in Your Local Journal.
First Greenwood Home and Garden Tourby AUDREY WALL
HUDSON — The Greenwood Centre for Living History welcomes guests to its first Home and Garden tour on Sunday, June 26, at 1:30 pm. Tours of the home and garden are given, followed by a tea served on the front porch overlooking the lake. For reservations, please call 450-458-5396.
Then at 3:30, Greenwood members are invited to enjoy an afternoon of festivities in the garden. Live music will be featured, and refreshments will be served.
Greenwood Members will be the first to see the new exhibit, “Passages.” It’s the brainchild of summer student Julie D’Aoust. The exhibit explores the exchanges and confrontations that have taken place between Greenwood’s residents and First Nations communities both near and far over the past three hundred years. Our extensive collection of First Nations artifacts was largely put together by Phoebe Hyde, the last woman to live at Greenwood, either through her dealings with Kanesatake or her travels across Canada and abroad. The collection includes photos and letters from our archives. The exhibit also features some of Greenwood’s oral history: Visitors will be able to listen in to the celebrations of Phoebe’s “Indian Day” in the 1980s and hear historical readings and discussions pertaining to Hudson and nearby Oka.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new exhibit, a special presentation will be held for Greenwood volunteer Darryl Seaman.
Around Greenwood Seaman is Mr. Fix-It. He has spent the last two months working tirelessly renovating a room for Greenwood’s new exhibit. In the past year, he has also erected Greenwood’s gazebo, repaired the summer kitchen, and has the ability to fix anything that is broken, a very handy person to have around a 279-year-old home.
It’s not too late to become a member and join in on Sunday’s celebrations.
To become a member of Greenwood Centre for Living History visit: www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org or drop by 254 Main Road, Hudson. Call for more information at 450-458-5396.
As found in the Hudson Gazette.
Greenwood Opens for Another Season The Greenwood Centre for Living History is now welcoming visitors to enjoy a tour of the house and its beautiful gardens. Tea and treats are served afterwards. Visitors are invited to drop by Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm during the summer. Reservations are not needed - just drop by and we will be happy to show you around. There is a small cost for the home tours.
Greenwood is also a great place if you’re looking for the perfect picnic location or perhaps some artistic muse. Gather a group of friends to play cards or to discuss that great book you just finished reading. Members are invited to use the garden at any time during the year. For information or to find out how to become a member, visit our website at www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org or call 450-458-5396 Greenwood is located at 254 Main Road, Hudson.
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 KarenMolson, who have been working on a short film documenting the life andwork of Percy Nobbs, were busy capturing this 're-enactment' scene onthe lawn at Greenwood last Sunday morning. Percy Nobbs, played here byJohn 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
Executive Director
Greenwood Welcomes...
Jane and Tony UrquhartCelebrated author Jane Urquhart was a special guest at Greenwood’s StoryFest last fall. Those who heard her speak at the Village Theatre may remember that she was charmed by Hudson, The Willow Inn, the theatre, and Greenwood, and spoke eloquently of the importance of “place” in one’s life. She promised to return to Hudson, and recently, she and her renowned artist husband, Tony Urquhart, did just that. They were in the area because Tony has just opened a remarkable exhibition at Stewart Hall in Pointe Claire, called "Ambiguous Geographies: Unearthing the World of Tony Urquhart." However, before the show started, Tony and Jane and their family booked a night at the Willow Inn, and then came for a visit to Greenwood Sunday morning. We were delighted to give them a leisurely tour, and they were fascinated with the history of Greenwood and the remarkable number of artifacts that are in our historic home, located at 254 Main Road. Tony Urquhart is the recipient of many awards and grants; he was named to the Order of Canada in 1995, and received the Governor General’s Award for the Visual Arts in 2009. Over 80 of his works are on display at Stewart Hall from March 20th-May 2nd. It is an exciting show, well worth seeing. Jane Urquhart has been hard at work on a new novel since her visit to StoryFest last fall; it will be released this fall- watch for it! And we at Greenwood are hard at work planning for another exciting edition of StoryFest this fall. Don't miss Jane Urquhart's video interview where she shares her impressions of Greenwood and StoryFest. Click here to see the interview on the StoryFest page.
Jane Urquhart and her husband Tony enjoy a private tour of Greenwood led by Audrey Wall (Executive Director) and Jane Havard (Board member and chair of the Greenwood StoryFest committee).
Greenwood News 2009...
Greenwood Celebrates the Holiday Season!
Greenwood's "Old Fashioned Christmas" has long been a favourite with families of all ages. This year's events will be held on December 6th and 13th (1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.).
Join us for an afternoon of storytelling and hot apple cider, as well as music from the Kitchen Ceilidh and other seasonal treats. Each year, Greenwood's exceptional volunteers out-do themselves in decorating the house with homemade ornaments, making this final event of the season one not to be missed.
Also this month, the Greenwood Singers will be presenting the second of their bi-annual concerts, "Carols for a Mid-Winter Night", on December 9th at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held at St. Mary's Church, followed by a reception at the church hall.
Greenwood News...
StoryFest Grand Opening Oct. 6th
With Jane Urquhart
StoryFest 2009 will be launched on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 6th at 3:00 pm. All pass holders will be invited to a special "Tea with Jane Urquhart" to be held at Greenwood.
So don't miss out- if you haven't picked up your Festival Pass yet, you can do so at A Temps Perdu in Hudson or by using the contact form on this site.
That evening, come and meet one of Canada's most loved authors, Jane Urquhart, at 7:30pm at the Village Theatre.
Jane Urquhart has published 3 books of poetry and 6 novels (The Whirlpool, Changing Heaven, Away, The Underpainter, The Stonecarvers and A Map of Glass) and a collection of short fiction (Storm Glass).
In 1992, her novel The Whirlpool was the first Canadian Book to win France's Best Foreign Book Award.
Her third novel, Away, remained on the Globe and Mail National Book Seller's list for 132 weeks, the longest of any Canadian book, and won the 1994 Trillium Award.
In 1994, Urquhart also received the Marian Engel Award for an outstanding body of prose written by a Canadian Woman.
In 1997, The Underpainter won the Governor General's Award, and became a fixture on the national bestseller's list.
Her 5th novel, The Stonecarvers, was published in 2001 and shortlisted for the Giller Prize.
In the Globe and Mail's review of her most recent novel, they state "she has claimed an urgent place as one of our most interesting and accomplished writers."
Jane Urquhart was named an Officer in the Order of Canada in 2005.
We do hope you'll take this opportunity to meet such a notable Canadian in your own community!
Greenwood News...
Greenwood Launches First Publication!
The Greenwood Centre for Living history is proud to announce the publication of our first book: "Portrait of Greenwood". The book features a collection of poems by Grell Grant entitled "Greenwood Suite". The second half of the book is made up of "Greenwood Voices", a compilation of works by some of the Greenwood Poets, as well former inhabitants of the house itself.
A celebration of the book's launch will held for the public on July 26th at 2p.m. at Greenwood. Author Grell Grant will on hand to sign books in addition to Greenwood's customary Sunday Home and Garden Tour.
Greenwood News...
MP Meili Faille Visits Greenwood
Greenwood welcomed Vaudreuil-Soulanges Member of Parliament Meili Faille (seen here with Greenwood Executive Director Audrey Wall) on June 30th
Click from Greenwood News to Greenwood Centre Page
|
