The Cavendish Post Office aka The Green Gables Post Office

The Cavendish Post Office (also known as the Green Gables Post Office) is a modern post office and museum located in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, close to the Site of L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home and the Green Gables House. Step inside to view a historical exhibit called “Yours sincerely, L.M. Montgomery” to discover how the postal service played an important role in L.M. Montgomery’s life and early career as a writer. Send a letter or postcard from this post office, and it will receive a special Anne of Green Gables, Cavendish PE postage mark, adding a touch of literary magic to your correspondence.



L.M. Montgomery was raised by Alexander and Lucy Woolner Macneill, her maternal grandparents, in Cavendish. As key members of the community, the Macneill family operated the Cavendish Post Office for generations, from its opening in 1833 until it closed in 1913. As a girl, L.M. Montgomery helped her grandparents run the post office from the kitchen of their homestead. The post office was more than just a place to send and receive mail; it was a vital hub where the rural community of Cavendish gathered to share news and stories, shaping the social fabric of the village.



After her grandfather’s death in 1898, L.M. Montgomery left her teaching post in Lower Bedeque and returned home to Cavendish to live with her grandmother. She helped her grandmother at the post office, serving as its assistant postmaster.



Having a post office in her home was fortunate for L.M. Montgomery. As a young writer who struggled to obtain paper, L.M. Montgomery wrote poems and stories on the backs of red postal letter bills. Living in the post office benefited L.M. Montgomery in another way. It allowed her to pursue her literary dreams and submit her stories and poems to publishers in secret. No one had to know if she received a rejection letter, and she could privately correspond with editors.



In 1905, L.M. Montgomery began writing Anne of Green Gables while sitting at the end of the table in the Macneill kitchen. After completing the book, L.M. Montgomery submitted it to several publishers, and the story was rejected repeatedly. L.M. Montgomery then stored the manuscript in a hatbox. In 1907, she decided to try submitting Anne of Green Gables for publication again, and she packaged and mailed her manuscript to L.C. Page Company, a publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Her perseverance paid off when L.C. Page accepted the manuscript, and Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908, bringing Anne Shirley's adventures to the world and cementing Montgomery's place in literary history.



In the 1970s, the government planned for a new post office to pay tribute to Prince Edward Island during its centennial anniversary of joining Canada in 1873. The post office was designed to honor L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables with a special museum exhibit. A building resembling the original Macneill homestead was relocated from Rocky Point on the other side of Prince Edward Island to a site near the original Macneill homestead in Cavendish. The building was restored and decorated with authentic decorations and postal artifacts. The exhibit was designed and produced by the Canadian Museum of History in collaboration with Canada Post.



The Cavendish Post Office is a special place to visit because it played a key role in L.M. Montgomery’s life and the origin of Anne of Green Gables. Open from May through October, the exhibit also provides a look back at how early post offices functioned.


Official Websites:
Yours Sincerely, Lucy Maud Montgomery Exhibition
Cavendish Post Office, Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island

Location:
The Cavendish Post Office
8555 Cavendish Rd, Cavendish, PE C0A 1M0, Canada.



Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.

References:
Epperly, Elizabeth R. Writing in the Kitchen: An Animation. The Anne of Green Gables Manuscript. Retrieved from: https://annemanuscript.ca/stories/macneill-kitchen-animation-writing-the-opening-pages-of-the-manuscript-3/

Hamilton, Kathleen and Frei, Sibyl. Finding Anne on Prince Edward Island. Ragweed Press. 1998.

Yours Sincerely, Lucy Maud Montgomery. Canadian Museum of History. Retrieved from: https://www.historymuseum.ca/exhibitions/lucymaudmontgomery/


Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 7, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Cavendish United Church

L.M. Montgomery was an active member of the Cavendish Presbyterian Church, located a short walk away from her home in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.

The church was built in 1902 to replace an older church that Montgomery and her family attended, which was located next to the Cavendish Cemetery. L.M. Montgomery's uncle donated the land for the new church. Later, in 1925, the church became the Cavendish United Church.

During the years between 1902 and 1911, L.M. Montgomery served as the choir director and organist and taught Sunday school at the Cavendish Presbyterian Church. L.M. Montgomery met her future husband Ewen MacDonald through the church. He was its minister from 1903 to 1906. In 1911, L.M. Montgomery got married and left Prince Edward Island to move to Ontario.

After her death in 1942, L.M. Montgomery's funeral was held in this church. In 1974, the church dedicated a memorial stained glass window to L.M. Montgomery in honor of her 100th birthday.

The Cavendish United Church is located next door to the Cavendish Post Office (aka The Green Gables Post Office). There's a pretty path from the church and Cavendish Post Office that leads to the Site of L.M. Montgomery's Cavendish Home.

Location:
Cavendish United Church
8543 Cavendish Rd, North Rustico, PE C0A 1X0, Canada.



Image credits:
Screencapture of the Cavendish United Church from Google Street View.
Photograph of pathway by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.

References:
Collins, Carolyn Strom. Discovering L. M. Montgomery and ‘Anne’ in Cavendish. The Anne of Green Gables Manuscript. Retrieved from: https://annemanuscript.ca/stories/discovering-l-m-montgomery-and-anne-in-cavendish/

Hamilton, Kathleen and Frei, Sibyl. Finding Anne on Prince Edward Island. Ragweed Press. 1998.


Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 7, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Dalvay-by-the-Sea

Dalvay-by-the-Sea is a breaktaking National Historic Site perched on the north shore of Prince Edward Island, Canada, within the scenic Prince Edward Island National Park.

This stunning summer retreat was built by Alexander MacDonald, a wealthy industrialist from Cincinnati, Ohio. Enchanted by the island's charm during a family vacation in 1895, MacDonald purchased 120 acres of land along the north shore and constructed this elegant summer home. He named it “Dalvay-by-the-Sea,” in homage to his childhood home in Scotland. The building is a striking example of Queen Anne Revival architecture, with its elegant dormers, bay windows, and gables, offering sweeping views of the ocean and Dalvay Lake.

Following MacDonald’s death, Dalvay-by-the-Sea changed hands several times. The property is now owned and maintained by Parks Canada. Today, it operates as a seasonal hotel and restaurant, open from May through October. Whether you choose to stay in one of the charming rooms or cottages, indulge in a delicious meal, or reserve a spot for high tea on select dates, Dalvay offers a quintessential island experience.

For fans of Sullivan Entertainment’s Anne of Green Gables miniseries, Dalvay-by-the-Sea is instantly recognizable as the iconic White Sands Hotel. This is where Anne Shirley, portrayed by Megan Follows, captivated her audience with a passionate recital of “The Highwayman” (though the interior scenes were filmed at the McLean House in North York, Ontario). In the sequel, Anne of Avonlea, Dalvay-by-the-Sea serves as the picturesque backdrop as Anne chases her windblown manuscript across the dunes. The hotel also plays a prominent role in Sullivan Entertainment’s Road to Avonlea television series, where it becomes Felix King’s workplace and Hetty King’s co-proprietor venture.

Dalvay-by-the-Sea is not only a place of historic and cinematic significance but also a serene haven of beauty. Spend some time soaking in the stunning landscape from an Adirondack chair in the front yard, savoring the peaceful views that make this location so unforgettable.



A short stroll from the hotel leads you to Dalvay Beach, a rich stretch of red sand where the rhythm of the waves and the pristine beauty of the shoreline create a perfect escape.



The drive along the north shore near the hotel is a visual delight, with lush grasses swaying in the breeze and picturesque dunes rolling toward the horizon.




Official Website:
Dalvay by the Sea

Location:
Dalvay-by-the-Sea
16 Cottage Crescent, Dalvay, PE, C0A 1P0, Canada.



Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.

References:
Read More about Dalvay’s History. Dalvay by the Sea. Retrieved from: https://www.dalvaybythesea.com/history

Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site. Parks Canada. Retrieved from: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/pe/dalvay

Introducing The "Real" White Sands Hotel - Dalvay By The Sea. Anne of Green Gables. Sullivan Entertainment. Retrieved from: https://www.anneofgreengables.com/blog/introducing-the-real-white-sands-hotel-dalvay-by-the-sea

Pacheco, Adriana. 10 Anne of Green Gables Famous Filming Locations. Anne of Green Gables. Sullivan Entertainment. Retrieved from: https://www.anneofgreengables.com/blog/10-anne-of-green-gables-famous-filming-locations


Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 8, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Confederation Centre of the Arts

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is a cultural arts center located in downtown Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Opened in 1964 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Centre boasts a performing arts theatre, a visual arts gallery, and an impressive array of exhibits and productions that highlight the rich tapestry of Canadian culture. Since 1965, it has been the proud host of the annual Charlottetown Festival, a summer tradition that has captivated audiences for decades. In addition, the Centre houses many of L.M. Montgomery's manuscripts in its archives, including her original handwritten manuscript of Anne of Green Gables.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts holds a unique place in history, earning the Guinness World Record for the longest-running annual musical theatre production with Anne of Green Gables — The Musical. This beloved adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's classic novel graced the stage every summer from 1965 until 2019, creating a legacy that has charmed generations. Though the musical paused during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it triumphantly returned to the stage in 2022. Starting in 2024, the musical will be performed biennially, continuing to enchant audiences every two years.



I had the pleasure of seeing Anne of Green Gables — The Musical at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in 2006. As I wandered through the Centre's main hallway, I was intrigued by the displays dedicated to the long-running production. Among the highlights was a meticulously crafted miniature model of the musical's set, offering a glimpse into the magic that unfolds on stage.



One display featured costumed mannequins frozen in a moment from the musical.



Nearby, costume sketches provided insight into the design process, showcasing detailed drawings like the elegant dress created for Mrs. Sloane.



The display was adorned with posters from past productions, each a snapshot of the musical's enduring appeal.



There was an informative placard on the writers and musicians who brought Anne of Green Gables to life on stage, as well as a tribute to L.M. Montgomery herself.



Along with holding L.M. Montgomery's original handwritten manuscript of Anne of Green Gables, The Confederation Centre of the Arts houses another 14 of L.M. Montgomery's novel manuscripts in its archives.

Official Website:
Confederation Centre of the Arts

Location:
Confederation Centre of the Arts
145 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J1, Canada.



Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.

Reference:
Longest running annual musical theatre production. Guinness World Records. Retrieved from: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/114132-longest-running-annual-musical-theatre-production


Created July 17, 2007. Last updated September 3, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

The L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island

The L.M. Montgomery Institute, established in 1993, is dedicated to fostering research and exploration into the life and works of the beloved author L.M. Montgomery. Situated within the Robertson Library at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown, this institute serves as a treasure trove for scholars with its large collection of publications and artifacts about L.M. Montgomery.

L.M. Montgomery herself attended school in Charlottetown at Prince of Wales College from 1893–1894. This college eventually merged with St. Dunstan's University in 1969 to create the University of Prince Edward Island, though the original Prince of Wales College buildings from Montgomery’s era now belong to Holland College, located in downtown Charlottetown.

During my visit to Prince Edward Island, I had the opportunity to explore the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the Robertson Library. The librarian there was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. As I wandered through the library, I encountered a striking bronze bust of L.M. Montgomery, crafted by the artist Claude Patrice Roussel—a fitting tribute to an author whose works are beloved the world over.


Official Websites:
L.M. Montgomery Institute
Robertson Library at the University of Prince Edward Island

Location:
L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.



Image credit:
Photograph by World of Anne Shirley.

Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 8, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Senator Donald Montgomery's House

L.M. Montgomery's paternal grandfather, Senator Donald Montgomery, lived in Park Corner, Prince Edward Island—a place that held a special place in her heart. In her journals, Montgomery fondly described her grandfather as “just like a grandfather out of a story. I love him. He is always so good and kind and gentle to me.” The warmth and charm of his home deeply influenced Montgomery, inspiring the creation of Ingleside, the cherished home of Anne and Gilbert Blythe. Many items from this house found their way into the pages of the Anne of Green Gables series and The Story Girl.

Known as "Big Donald" to distinguish him from a cousin of the same name, Senator Montgomery was both a respected farmer and a prominent politician. His political career spanned decades, serving as a representative, member, and speaker of the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly from 1838 to 1874. After Prince Edward Island joined the Canadian Confederation in 1873, he was appointed to the Canadian Senate, where he served until his death in 1893.



Senator Donald Montgomery's house, a place brimming with history, sits beside the picturesque Lake of Shining Waters and is just across the street from the Campbell Homestead (Silver Bush), which now houses The Anne of Green Gables Museum.

When I visited Prince Edward Island in 2006, the house was a museum called the Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum. The museum was one of my favorite L.M. Montgomery sites. What made it so special was the personal guided tour of the home by Robert Montgomery, L.M. Montgomery’s cousin and a great-grandson of Senator Donald Montgomery. He was incredibly generous with his time, sharing stories and insights that brought the history of the house to life. Unlike many other sites, this house still contained its original furnishings, offering a rare glimpse into the world that shaped L.M. Montgomery. The home was filled with antiques, books, artifacts, and photographs, all telling the rich history of the Montgomery family and revealing the treasures that inspired one of Canada’s most beloved authors.



Senator Donald Montgomery's house has been known by many names over the years—Park Corner, Montgomery Manor, the Heath Montgomery Home, and notably, the Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum. In 2011, L.M. Montgomery’s cousin, Robert Montgomery, decided to sell the house. His son, Paul Montgomery, purchased it, breathing new life into the historic home by renovating and redecorating it. Today, it stands as the Montgomery Inn at Ingleside, inviting visitors to experience its rich history as a charming inn.

When I visited the Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum, I had the chance to explore a collection of artifacts that vividly brought Montgomery’s world to life. I’m not sure if these treasures remain on display at the inn, but their impact on me was unforgettable.

Outside the house stands the pulpit stone mentioned in The Story Girl.



It was special to see the tea set that inspired Marilla Cuthbert's rosebud spray tea set. Anne admired its beauty and dreamed of serving Diana tea with this set in Anne of Green Gables.



Another highlight was Magog, one of a pair of white and green spotted china dogs that L.M. Montgomery adored as a child. She wrote fondly of these dogs in her journals: "When I was a little girl, visiting at Grandfather Montgomery's, I think the thing that most enthralled me was a pair of China dogs which always sat on the sitting room mantel piece..." Though Magog’s twin, Gog, had sadly broken, Magog was still proudly displayed. Years later, L.M. Montgomery herself sought out a similar pair of china dogs during her honeymoon in England and Scotland, a journey that ended with the purchase of a set with gold spots—a close but not identical match to her grandfather’s originals.



These beloved china dogs appear throughout the Anne of Green Gables series. In Anne of the Island, Anne Shirley is captivated by the sight of two china dogs at Patty's Place. She has gone there to meet Miss Patty and Miss Maria in the hopes of renting their house. L.M. Montgomery writes, "just behind each sat a large white china dog, with round green spots all over it, a green nose and green ears. Those dogs captured Anne’s fancy on the spot; they seemed like the twin guardian deities of Patty’s Place." Years later in Anne's House of Dreams, Miss Patty and Miss Maria give Anne the dogs as a wedding gift, noting that, "You will not have forgotten that Gog looks to the right and Magog to the left.” These loyal guardians of Patty’s Place later preside over the Blythe household, making appearances in Anne of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley.

During my visit, I couldn’t resist buying a pair of miniature Gog and Magog china dogs from Robert Montgomery’s gift shop. He explained that they were crafted by a local PEI artist, making them even more special since most Anne souvenirs are imported. For me, these tiny dogs held extra significance, as I purchased them during my own honeymoon, echoing Montgomery’s own search for her cherished china dogs.

On the walls of the home, there was even a handmade wall hanging featuring Gog and Magog.



Below Magog was the china fruit basket mentioned in The Story Girl (Chapter XII, The Blue Chest of Rachel Ward).



The house was filled with special photos and treasures, each telling a story of its own. Among them was a piece of sheet music from the 1919 silent film Anne of Green Gables starring Mary Miles Minter.



After exploring the museum, I took a walk down "The Alpine Path," a picturesque, forested trail that led to the Lake of Shining Waters.

L.M. Montgomery gives an explanation for this name in her 1917 autobiography, titled The Alpine Path: The Story of My Career. In the opening, Montgomery writes:

"Many years ago, when I was still a child, I clipped from a current magazine a bit of verse, entitled 'To the Fringed Gentian,' and pasted it on the corner of the little portfolio on which I wrote my letters and school essays. Every time I opened the portfolio I read one of those verses over; it was the key-note of my every aim and ambition:

'Then whisper, blossom, in thy sleep
   How I may upward climb
 The Alpine path, so hard, so steep,
   That leads to heights sublime;
 How I may reach that far-off goal
   Of true and honoured fame,
 And write upon its shining scroll
   A woman’s humble name.'




The Alpine Path was a serene place. I couldn't help but feel connected to Montgomery's world.



As I walked through, I caught a glimpse of L.M. Montgomery's Lake of Shining Waters though the trees.



Here is the peaceful Lake of Shining Waters. I could see why Montgomery loved this tranquil place.



I visited many years ago when the house was still a museum, and I wonder where all those cherished artifacts are now. The house has since been transformed into an inn, and I’m not sure if any of those treasures remain on display.

The house may soon undergo another transformation. On July 5, 2024, the property was listed for sale. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a historic home on Prince Edward Island, this could be your chance. For $899,900 CAD, you could make this piece of literary history your own.

Official Website:
Montgomery Inn at Ingleside Prince Edward Island

Location:
Senator Donald Montgomery's House. Montgomery Inn at Ingleside Prince Edward Island.
4615 Route 20, Park Corner, 4615 PE-20, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0, Canada.



Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright Google Maps.

References:
The Hon. Donald Montgomery, Senator. The Parliament of Canada. Retrieved from: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/ParlInfo/default/en_CA/People/Profile?personId=9612

Kitts, Colleen. (2016, April 15). Historic Montgomery house gets a new life thanks to Lucy Maud descendant. CBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/montgomery-inn-pei-1.3537617

Ligaya, Armina. (2012, August 23). Memories for sale as Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum put on market in P.E.I. National Post. Retrieved from: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/memories-for-sale-as-lucy-maud-montgomery-heritage-museum-goes-up-for-sale-in-p-e-i

Lucy Maud Montgomery Museum. Retrieved from: https://web.archive.org/web/20110603043639/http://www.lucymaudmontgomerymuseum.com/index.html

Lucy Maud Montgomery museum up for sale. (2012, August 21). CBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/lucy-maud-montgomery-museum-up-for-sale-1.1212105

Montgomery family home reopens as 4-star inn. (2016, September 16). CBC News. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/lucy-maud-montgomery-ingleside-inn-1.3766862

Montgomery, L.M. Anne of the Island. L.C. Page & Company, 1915.

Montgomery, L.M. Anne's House of Dreams. McClelland, Goodchild and Stewart, Limited. 1917.

Montgomery, L.M. The Alpine Path. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited, 1997. pages 74–75.

Montgomery, L.M. The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery, Volume I: 1889–1910. ed. Mary Rubio and Elizabeth Waterston. Oxford University Press, 1985. page 25.

Montgomery, L.M. The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery, Volume II: 1910–1921. ed. Mary Rubio and Elizabeth Waterston. Oxford University Press, 1987. page 76.

Senator Donald Montgomery House. Canada’s Historic Places. Parks Canada. Retrieved from: https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=20523

Property Description for 4615 Route 20. RE/MAX Canada. Retrieved from: https://www.remax.ca/luxury/pe/park-corner-real-estate/4615-route-20-wp_idm73000004-27124644-lst


Created July 17, 2007. Last updated September 13, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

The Anne of Green Gables Museum

The Anne of Green Gables Museum is a private house museum dedicated to the life of L.M. Montgomery that is located in the Campbell Homestead in Park Corner, Prince Edward Island. Despite its name, which causes some confusion, the museum primarily focuses on L.M. Montgomery and not on Anne of Green Gables.

Throughout her life, L.M. Montgomery loved to visit her Aunt Annie Macneill Campbell, Uncle John Campbell, and her jolly cousins at Park Corner. L.M. Montgomery called their house Silver Bush, and it was her inspiration for Pat Gardiner’s home in her novels Pat of Silver Bush and Mistress Pat.

The Anne of Green Gables Museum, which opened in 1972, contains many artifacts related to L.M. Montgomery. It is still owned and run by members of the Campbell family. A portion of the home functions as the museum where you can do a self-guided tour, while the remainder is their private residence.



East of the Campbell house is Campbell's Pond. This simple name was too prosaic for L.M. Montgomery, who renamed the pond the "Lake of Shining Waters." Montgomery later immortalized this name by having Anne Shirley rename Barry’s Pond the "Lake of Shining Waters” in Anne of Green Gables.



The museum contains the blue chest, which L.M. Montgomery wrote about in The Story Girl.



You can also see L.M. Montgomery's enchanted bookcase. As a child, she talked to her reflection in the glass, which was her imaginary friend Katie Maurice. This bookcase was originally located at the old Macneill homestead in Cavendish (The Site of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Home) where L.M. Montgomery was raised by her grandparents. The bookcase was moved before the old home was demolished. Readers of Anne of Green Gables will recognize this story as being one shared with Anne Shirley. In Anne of Green Gables, Anne talks to her imaginary friend Katie Maurice, which was her reflection in the bookcase at the Thomas home.



On July 5, 1911, L.M. Montgomery married the Reverend Ewen MacDonald in the parlor at the Campbell house in front of the fireplace.



L.M. Montgomery had her own little bedroom at the Campbell house. The view from her window overlooked the Lake of Shining Waters. You can pay to take a carriage ride around the lake.



The museum displays a large collection of first edition books by L.M. Montgomery, photographs, and other artifacts, including a quilt and lace made by L.M. Montgomery.



There are also clippings from magazines and letters written by L.M. Montgomery. I had trouble photographing many of them because of the poor lighting, reflections, and harsh glare off the glass covering them.



This museum is nice to visit if you wish to learn more about L.M. Montgomery and the places that inspired her, but it's important to keep in mind that the focus is the author herself.


Official Website:
The Anne of Green Gables Museum

Location:
The Anne of Green Gables Museum
4542 PE Route, 20 Park Corner Ln, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0, Canada.



Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.

Reference:
Hamilton, Kathleen and Frei, Sibyl. Finding Anne on Prince Edward Island. Ragweed Press. 1998.

Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 9, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com