The Anne of Green Gables Museum is the happy recipient of a special gift from Japan. The Lupins Fan Club presented a 40-centimetre Anne doll to the Museum. The doll is dressed in a wedding gown. It was created by Miss Kumiko Yamada and was the winning entry in a handcraft contest held earlier this year.
Ms. Aoi Nozawa, one of the organizers of the Lupins, felt the doll was an appropriate symbol of the special relationship between Prince Edward Island and Japan. Many young Japanese women visit the province after reading Montgomery's famous novel, Anne of Green Gables, and each year, more couples are holding their wedding ceremonies at the home where L.M. Montgomery herself was married.
Ms. Nozawa was on Prince Edward Island recently to complete research for her latest project, a biography of Lucy Maud Montgomery. She was also doing interviews for several articles which will appear in Japanese magazines and newspapers.
"We enjoy hosting the weddings," says George Campbell, operator of the Anne of Green Gables Museum and descendant of Montgomery. "We have developed some special packages that can include a wagon ride around the Lake of Shining Waters or other little extras."
The "Anne" doll will be exhibited at the Museum next year.