The House the Books Built. Featuring: Tom Howell, John Nadler, Margaret Sweatman, Rev Dr. James Christie

Ralph Connor, the pen name of Rev. Dr. Charles William Gordon, was born in 1860 and, after a stint as a Presbyterian minister in Alberta, moved to Winnipeg where he lived until his death in 1937. As well as his work as a clergyman, he was a prolific and wildly popular writer of frontier adventure novels. His second, Sky Pilot, was published in 1899 and sold over a million copies.

We are teaming up with the Friends of Ralph Connor House and the University Women’s Club to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the West Gate home Charles and his wife Helen built with proceeds from his books—literally the house that books built!

Margaret Sweatman will read from her atmospheric novel, Fox, set in the turmoil of the Winnipeg Strike. Journalist John Nadler will share his new book Valour Road, about three young Winnipeggers, all from the same street, who were awarded the Victoria Cross in WWI. Lexicographer Tom Howell will give us a glimpse of the colourful history of the English language from his book, The Rude Story of English. Reverend Dr James Christie will read work by Ralph Connor himself.

Explore the grand mansion with guided tours at 1:45 pm and 4:00 pm. Settle in for the 10-minute readings at 2:40 pm, 3:00 pm, and 3:20 pm. Have a cup of tea in the elegant dining room. Spend some time downstairs with old photos and records. Pick up a copy of the featured books—and also The First Women of 54 West Gate, an inside look at Helen Gordon and her six daughters.

Books for sale on-site. Refreshments for a toonie donation.
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