Black Moss Press comes full circle, celebrating 40 years
By Amber Pinsonneault
Lance Writer
August 5, 2009
 Fifty years ago, Marty Gervais walked into Stephen Leacock’s summer home and decided then and there he would become a writer.
He had gone there for a visit after the former home of Canada’s pre-eminent humorist became a museum. As he walked into the office of the late Stephen Leacock he noticed pages scattered among the dark oak desk and his mind began to wander.
At that moment, filled with inspiration, Gervais started a new chapter in his life.
Since then, he has become a well-known writer, journalist, photographer and the owner of the local publishing company, Black Moss Press.
Gervais recently returned to Orillia to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Black Moss Press at the Stephen Leacock Summer Festival.
Accompanied by his authors, John B. Lee, Roger Bell, Marilyn Gear-Pilling, and Mary Ann Mulhern, Gervais reflected on his first visit back at the Leacock home: “It was nice being here with my authors,” said Gervais in the company of John B. Lee, Roger Bell, and others. “It’s neat the way the circle closes.”
The readings from each author filled the room with laughter and awe, highlighting Black Moss Press’ reputation of publishing poetry readers can relate to.
Within the past two years, Roger Bell (You Tell Me), Marilyn Gear-Pilling (The Bones of the World Begin to Show), John B. Lee (The Place We Keep After Leaving), and Mary Ann Mulhern (When Angels Weep) allowed UWindsor students to edit and publish their books through Black Moss Press.
With the release of four new books, Black Moss Press authors will tour Ontario.
The next scheduled reading will be in Barrie on Sept. 19 as a special feature event at the Carnegie Days. Readings are also scheduled in Ottawa and Brantford.
A Literary Quickie sponsored by the Windsor Review at UWindsor, and many high school readings will occur in the months of September and October. The final event celebrating the 40th anniversary takes place Nov. 5 in Black Moss’ home, Windsor, during BookFest at the Art Gallery.
Check out Black Moss Press’ website at www.blackmosspress. com for details about upcoming events, ordering books, and celebrating 40 years of the longest running small press in Canada.
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