WWU’s Laura Laffrado to Discuss the Works of Northwest Writer Ella Higginson Oct. 27

Western Washington University Professor of English Laura Laffrado will discuss her recent research project focused on early-20th century Pacific Northwest author Ella Higginson from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 in the Special Collections area of Western’s Wilson Library.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

During the discussion, Laffrado will explain how her project to recover the work of Higginson began in Western Libraries Heritage Resources’ collections and ultimately led to the publication of her recent book, “Selected Writings of Ella Higginson: Inventing Pacific Northwest Literature.”

Former Washington state Poet Laureate Ella Higginson (1861-1940) moved to the town of Sehome (now Bellingham) in 1888, at which time her writing career began to flourish. Higginson helped establish Bellingham’s first public reading room and library, was deeply concerned with community and civic affairs, including issues affecting women such as female education and the institution of marriage.

Higginson’s poetry and short stories were published nationally by journals including McClures, Harper's Monthly and Colliers. Her best known work, a poem entitled "Four Leaf Clover," was published by West Shore Magazine in 1890. Laffrado’s book shines a spotlight on this once widely-known and celebrated author, helping to restore Higginson as a significant voice in American Literature.  

This special talk is being offered as a Heritage Resources Distinguished Speakers program. These quarterly events are free and open to the public, and feature presenters who are authorities in their respective fields and who have used Heritage Resources collections significantly in their research.

For more information about this event, please contact Western Libraries Special Collections Manager Tamara Belts at (360) 650-3193 or Tamara.Belts@wwu.edu.