2024 is L.M. Montgomery’s 150th birthday! The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at the University of Prince Edward Island is celebrating with 150 tributes – celebratory statements or greetings – that reflect upon personal connections to Montgomery or on an aspect of her life, work, or legacy.
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“Do you know that I was called after my grandmother and she was called after a girl in a poem?” (Kilmeny of the Orchard, chapter 7). Kilmeny, Anne, Emily, Matthew, Jasper Dale, Diana, Marilla, Rilla … This week’s tributes from Cassandra Sproles, Kelly Crichton, and Denise Bruce are from parents inspired to name their children after Montgomery’s characters.
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Cassandra Sproles on naming her daughter Kilmeny
Her name will be Kilmeny, I decided at thirteen years old. That would be my daughter’s name. After devouring as many L.M. Montgomery books as I could, I fell in love with Montgomery and her characters, but there was just something so beautifully tragic about the story of Kilmeny of the Orchard and how Kilmeny, even though she could not speak, was given voice through her violin.
Eventually, I gave birth to a dark-haired little girl that my husband and I named Kilmeny Anne. She is now twenty years old and is studying to become an elementary-school music teacher. Quite ironically, my Kilmeny’s instrument of choice is her voice. Like the eponymous Kilmeny Gordon, she is unfailingly kind and beautiful. Like Anne Shirley, she revels in the light and the dark of the world around her and feels things – especially music – very keenly. She is a kindred spirit indeed.
Cassandra Sproles is a writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer at the University of Tennessee.
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Kelly Crichton on naming her children Matthew and Emily
As a child, I read voraciously. But I hadn’t known about L.M. Montgomery until I was nine. A woman came out of her house in the small town where I lived carrying a stack of books.
“I hear you liked to read,” she said. “You might like these.”
They were the Anne books. I read them all immediately. Then I read them again. Four times in a row. I read every book Montgomery wrote.
When our son was born, my husband loved the name Matthew. I was delighted to have a “Cuthbert” in the family. When our daughter came along, I wanted her called Emily after that resilient, determined, and delightful resident of New Moon. And that is my Emily today.
Thank you, Lucy Maud.
Kelly Crichton is a retired journalist who began her career at CTV’s W5 in the 1960’s. In the ‘70’s she moved to CBC for the next thirty-nine years, working as a reporter, producer, and eventually Executive Producer of the fifth estate and The National. She finished her work in the documentary department as senior producer of Canada: A People’s History and 8th Fire.
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Denise Bruce on naming her children Dale, Emily, Avery, and Rilla
As a young girl standing on the corner of the Montgomery homestead foundation, I felt a deep connection to the author. Over the years, that bond has only deepened, and it comforts me to know how strong these feelings have become.
When my husband and I bought our first home, I named it Ingleside after my favourite books, Anne of Ingleside and Rilla of Ingleside. Our property had its own Bubbling Brook, and I even created a Violet Vale and gardens brimming with flowers mentioned in the books. We also took in an abandoned kitten we named Lucky, after Maud's beloved cat. To add to the enchantment, there was a lovely Lake of Shining Waters across the road from Ingleside, which I christened Wayne's Heaven.
I wanted to honour a remarkable and influential writer, and I knew I could do that by naming my children after Maud's characters. This was my way of honouring the creativity that inspires me and carrying a piece of that legacy into our family's story.
Naming my firstborn was easy. My husband's middle name was Dale, and I've always admired Jasper Dale from The Story Girl and Road to Avonlea for his quiet nature, incredible strength, and bravery. These qualities genuinely reflect those I see in my son, making the name even more special.
Choosing a name for my second child, a girl, was quite an emotional journey. I had my heart set on Felicity or Cecily from The Story Girl, but my grandmother, in her loving way, said she couldn't pronounce them. Understanding her perspective, I shifted to Emily, inspired by the wonderful character from Emily of New Moon. I connected deeply with Emily; she was a writer, just like me, and her bravery and strength after losing her father resonated with me. Emily's determination to pursue her dreams despite many challenges reflects the same spirit I see in my child. It's a beautiful reminder of the resilience we all possess.
My third child, a boy, was initially meant to be named after my brother, who had passed away just a few months earlier. This idea brought my family joy during such a difficult time. However, when the moment came to name him, I was unable to do it. The thought of using my brother's name made the loss feel all too real, and I felt an overwhelming sense of heartbreak and guilt as if I was letting my family down. Throughout my hospital stay, my sister often called with name suggestions, but nothing felt right. Then, one night, she called and shared that she was watching Murphy Brown, and Colleen Dewhurst portrayed the character's mother. We all know how beloved Dewhurst was as Marilla Cuthbert, and when my sister mentioned the name Avery from the show, it struck a chord. I felt a sense of relief and clarity—"That's it!”
Naming my son Avery felt like a fitting tribute to Marilla – a quiet yet strong character who was steadfast but soft-hearted and always ready to help others. Marilla may have hidden her feelings at times, but when they did emerge, they shone brightly and beautifully – just as my child has grown to be.
Then, there was a gap with a vengeance, as Maud would say, after Avery was born, but that does not mean I had no more children because I had my dream child. A beautiful little baby with perfect snow-white skin filled my dreams. She was a happy and good-tempered baby and toddler, making the dreaded "terrible twos" feel like a myth. She loved jumping in puddles and playing outside with her dolls. Her dark-brown hair curled and bounced around her with every movement reflecting her vibrant spirit.
I had envisioned this baby for years, and I even knew her name before she was born. My very own Rilla-my-Rilla. I never thought this dream would come true until the day I waited for arrived. I was pregnant again, eight years after my last child. It was a wonderful gift.
I told my husband it was a girl, and her name was Rilla. He did not believe me at first, but as the months rolled by, he humoured my “pregnant thoughts.” The day finally arrived when Rilla was born.
Rilla grew just as she did in my dreams. It felt almost magical that my dream baby was alive and thriving, developing just as I had envisioned. She blossomed into a sweet girl – shy and quiet – filling my days with joy and laughter from the very beginning.
When Rilla was just eleven, she joined me at Montgomery Inn at Ingleside, and it was heartwarming to see her embodying the spirit of Rilla of Ingleside. This past summer, she found joy working at Silver Bush, where she passionately shared the stories of Maud's deep affection for that beautiful old farm with tourists. Knowing this brought so much happiness to my heart.
Maud has been a profound presence in my life; I know she will always be. Her writings have been a source of light during my darkest moments, offering comfort and guidance when I needed it most. I am grateful for the solace I find in her words, and I will always hold Lucy Maud Montgomery close to my heart. I am committed to supporting her legacy and helping the Montgomery homes here on Prince Edward Island to honor the impact she has had on so many lives, including mine.
Denise Bruce is a PEI resident who has been enchanted with the works of Montgomery ever since she began to read. Her endeavours to research Montgomery’s island haunts have led her to hidden corners and forgotten gems that evoke a rich spirit of place.
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Next week our tributes will celebrate the magnetism of Montgomery’s Prince Edward Island.