Book Talk with Kevin Spenst – Stanley Park Manor: A Collective History
November 19 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us in celebrating local West End history with local author Kevin Spenst for his new book “Stanley Park Manor: a Collective History” recounting stories from this iconic hundred year old building in Vancouver’s West End Neighbourhood.
Stanley Park Manor: a Collective History brings together dozens of voices and hundreds of lives lived in one of the West End’s most iconic buildings. With previous tenants such as Pierre Berton, Simma Holt, Kiran Singh, Abbas Akhavan, Jennifer Spence, Joel Sturrock, Trish Klein (of the Be Good Tanyas) and congregations of others piling up to the present, this almost 100-year-old Vancouver building is steeped in stories.
With the help of previous building manager Lyn Guy, Manor resident and author Kevin Spenst has compiled, researched and added to accounts from actors, artists, journalists and hosts of others. At the Roedde House, Lyn Guy will share some of the stories from long-time Manor resident Enid Sheppard (1915–2007), a woman whose Vancouver life reflected the city itself in many ways.
We will be showing a short film about Enid Sheppard narrated by Lyn Guy as well as a small display about her life set up at the museum. Kevin Spenst will read passages from the book and explain some of the research that went into writing about Manor residents in the 1930s and 40s. A Q&A period will follow to allow for any questions about the book. Copies of “Stanley Park Manor: A Collective History” will be available for purchase and Kevin will be doing a book signing after the talk.
Tea & Refreshments will be served at the event.
This conversation connects everyday lives, architecture, and memory—echoing Roedde House’s mission to preserve and share Vancouver’s early history. Reserve your spot to explore how personal narratives and historic places shape our understanding of the city we call home.
Important Info:
- Ticket holders should arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime to secure seats.
- Limited street parking is available on Robson and in the West End. Parking spots are scarce in the neighbourhood, so give yourself some extra time or use public transportation. (Closest Skytrain station: Burrard. We are on the #5 Robson bus route).