After a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Al Purdy A-frame Association is pleased and excited to announce an A-frame open house for Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The house, built by Al and his wife Eurithe, has been restored as a retreat for Canadian writers and has welcomed close to 40 authors since 2014.

When Purdy (1918-2000) was in residence – most summers from the late 1950s to when he died – the A-frame became a stop for many of Canada’s literary figures. Halfway between Montreal and Toronto, its callers included Margaret Laurence, Michael Ondaatje, Milton Acorn and dozens of others.

In addition to a tour of the A-frame and adjacent writing shed during the open house, Purdy memorabilia will be available, including books, photos, prints and signed items. All proceeds, including donations with tax receipt, go to supporting the A-frame as a retreat for Canadian writers. A Purdy Tour pamphlet will be available for those wishing to visit significant locations, including Al Purdy’s gravesite.

Parking will be available at the Al Purdy Library on Whitney Rd., a 10-minute walk from the A-frame, as well as along Whitney Rd. leading up to Gibson Rd., where the A-frame is located. There is no parking on narrow Gibson Rd.

The village will be a happening place that weekend, hosting the annual Ameliasburgh Fall Fair at the fairgrounds on Saturday. The Fair, also returning after three years, will open with a parade down main street and feature food, a horse and pone show, an arts and craft show, a silent auction, and many activities for children. Also located in the centre of the village is the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, a large complex of buildings showing what life was like in Prince Edward County in the 1800s.

Save the date: September 24 and 25.