Roof and Talk

Exciting news about the Elizabeth Bishop House in Great Village, which earlier in October received a new metal roof. The old one had been protecting the house for around 100 years, so it had done its duty. The Great Village Preservation Society was successful in securing a grant from Nova Scotia Heritage. Since the EB House is a provincially registered heritage property, it needed the agreement of NS Heritage and the society made the no small effort to apply for the grant. The EBSNS was able to transfer a signficant a donation from one of our members, given specifically to help with the roof project. Here are some photos of the EB House going through the process of getting its new roof. It was wonderful that the front skylight, a significant original feature, was preserved. 

(Roof work underway. Photo by Laura Schwarz)

(Roof work done! Photo by Laura Schwarz)

(Elizabeth Bishop's bedroom with new skylight. Photo by Nancy Pitts)

Thanks to the Preservation Society and the contractor who made achieved this important and necessary improvement.

I had the great pleasure to do three “talks” about Bishop in Truro in October – an invitation from Seniors College Association of Nova Scotia (SCANS). The first of these talks, on 7 October, was about  Bishop’s life, her biography. The second, on 14 October, was a reading of her poetry and  I was joined by EBSNS board member Rosaria Campbell. The third talk, on 21 October, was about the response to Bishop during her life and since her death by academics, artists and readers. Those who attended made me feel so welcome and their keen attention was a gift. The group was so keen that they went to the EB House for a tour on 18 October. I want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Nancy Pitts who organized these sessions, and the whole group for being so generous with their time and energy. It was a great privilege to talk about Bishop to this group. Here are some photos.

(Sandra holding forth, 7 October. Photo by Brenda Barry)

(With Rosaria, 14 October. Photo by Brenda Barry)

(Nancy Pitts introducing, 21 October. Photo by Brenda Barry)

(At the Elizabeth Bishop House, 18 October.)