All are welcome to the Beaconsfield Carriage House on Tuesday, July 11th from 7-8:30pm for the launch of Lorraine Clements’ new book, The Girl from 108.
The Girl from 108 is an account of the world the author grew up in at 108 King Street in Charlottetown, where her parents operated a Boarding House which served as a home for an eclectic group of visitors who came to serve the area: builders, plumbers, and countrymen, many who became like family to her.
Lorraine shares the stories of the day, from the details of her grandfather, Pop, in a top hat at the corner of Richmond and Queen Streets, smoking his pipe with his friends and discussing politics, to her awe of the women of the day —remembering their hairstyles, their lipstick, and the elegant swoosh of a visiting nurse’s cape. She recalls with fondness the “Kids from King Street”, a group who grew up in the city’s homes, parks, establishments and stores. With a strong Catholic background, the Boarding House had strong morals, and Lorraine’s mother was sure to keep it that way.
“Lorraine’s stories narrate a time in Charlottetown’s history, which supported its budding industrial movement. She brings us into her home through the eyes of a child, and sets us up at the kitchen table to watch the whole thing play out. There is magic, there is mystery, and there is social strata—even an epic love story or two,” says Mo Duffy Cobb, of Pownal Street Press.
Lorraine was always a strong proponent of education, but was forced to leave early to care for her young family. She has always enjoyed writing, and was inspired at the age of 65 to return to the University of Prince Edward Island, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts at age 70. Lorraine married her soulmate, Fred, and lives in North Rustico.
“Lorraine is an inspiration in strength and spirit,” says Genevieve Loughlin, Publisher of Pownal Street Press. “Pownal Street Press is excited to bring her stories to print and share this important history of growing up on Prince Edward Island.”
Join Lorraine and Pownal Street Press as we celebrate at her book launch on Tuesday, July 11th from 7-8:30 pm, at the Island’s picturesque Beaconsfield Carriage House. The author will present a short reading, and books will be for sale at the event.
The Girl from 108
ISBN: 9781738818211
$24.95 Paperback
On Sale: June 20, 2023
Order your copy here or contact lorraine.clements@hotmail.com.
About Pownal Street Press:
Pownal Street Press is Charlottetown’s newest independent publishing house. Inspired in name by the iconic Charlottetown street, a charming mix of modern and historical, Pownal Street Press is symbolic of the evolution of the publishing industry. The mission of Pownal Street Press is to discover, amplify and empower storytellers, and seeks to broaden the publishing landscape with a diverse collection of topics and tones.