THE LITERARY EVENT OF THE SUMMER
On July 26, 2008 Cobalt public library and spring pulse poetry festival presented a special poetry/musical concert in front of the Drummond cairn. Over fifty people experienced poetry and music in the garden surroundings.
The Temiskaming String Quartet with Dr. Raymond Rahn, first violin Ron Mitchell second violin, Morley Shepherdson viola, and Rob Van Dine cello provided the musical magic for the afternoon. The audience with rapt attention was impressed with the professional pleasure the quartet inspired. A woman seated next to me commented when she returns to England she plans on learning to play the violin.
The poetry performers included Ann Margetson, Sarah Eckert, André Belanger Mayor of Cobalt, Doug Shearer (who also acted as Master of Ceremonies), Ada Shearer, Ted Knightingale, Marvyn Morrison, Morley Shepherdson, Deborah Ranchuk, Michael Doupe, and David Brydges.
Eleven presenters read his Cobalt written pieces, some classical ones, and several of Ann Margetson our poet laureate's modern inspired poems. For the first time in public all five of Dr. Drummond's composed poems in the Cobalt mining camp area were read and heard.
For two years Drummond lived in the Cobalt camp as Drummond mine vice-president and served one year as the unofficial town doctor of the area. Drummond was a poet/historian capturing the crazy boom spirit of the early pioneer days. Poetic imagination mixed with storytelling genius went down into the deepest strata to mine gems of homespun humour and wise sympathy that sparkle with freshness 101 years later.
At intermission a tea/reception was provided by the Cobalt Public Library. None too soon since the weather gods decided to continue their summer rainy rampage and a downpour ensued. The second half of the concert/recital continued indoors to the enjoyment of all.
