The RD Lawrence Place

There was not a seat under the big tent, as 300 thronged to the official opening of RD Lawrence Place held on Earth Day, April 22, 2008 at the Minden Hills Cultural Center in Minden, Ontario.
An interactive learning facility, a writers' centre and a gathering place, the RD Lawrence Place will be devoted to promoting a love of reading, the art of writing and an appreciation for Canada's Natural Heritage.

The earth-friendly RD Lawrence Place is insulated with straw bales, and constructed with sustainable materials

There were many hugs, pats on the back and congratulatory handshakes as Friends of RD Lawrence revelled in the success of the project, one that had been a two year journey since Sharon Lawrence donated the literary estate of RD Lawrence to the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. The press was out in full force, with journalists coming from far and wide.

Sheryl Loucks, the coordinator of RD Lawrence Place, was radiant and effervescent as she welcomed students, residents of the county, people who had driven a distance to be there and politicians from all levels of government.

Many members of the Haliburton Highlands Writers' and Editors' Network were there to take part in the celebrations and see what the RD Lawrence Place will offer writers. Kathy Purc, Brenda Peddigrew, Leo Dobrzensky, Hilda Clark, Marjorie Green, Pauline Johnson and Stephen Patrick were just a few. Maureen Curry, one of the poets whose poem Timberwolf is in the RD Lawrence Commemorative Antholgy drove up from Whitby for the afternoon and what a beautiful afternoon it was with the sun beating down and the crowds responding to the spring sunshine. Rick Whitteker, another Haliburton author featured in the anthology, was also out to take part in the celebrations.

Construction Pictures >>>