September 19, 2005 Source: Simon Fraser University:
http://www.sfu.ca/mediapr/news_releases/archives/news09190501.htm Socialist figure's grandson launches book at Woodsworth event Contact: Marianne Meadahl, Media & PR. 604.291.4323 September 19, 2005 He never met his famous grandfather, but Glenn Woodsworth says his own thoughts about social problems were profoundly influenced by the man who helped shape BC's labour politics early in the last century. In conjunction with a conference called Human Rights and Social Activism, Rethinking the Legacy of J.S. Woodsworth at SFU Vancouver's Harbour Centre campus Sept. 22-24, he's launching a short book, A Prophet at Home, an Intimate Memoir of J.S. Woodsworth, featuring three of his grandfather's previously unpublished letters. The 54-page book also contains a reminiscence of J.S. Woodsworth by his son Charles, likely penned in the late 1940s. Two of the letters were written by Woodsworth to his family during the Winnipeg Strike in 1919 and one was written to his daughter, Grace MacInnis. “My main purpose is to make sure the material isn't lost,” says Woodsworth. He and his wife, Joy, published the book through their small publishing company, Tricouni Press. His grandfather died in 1942, the year before Glenn Woodsworth was born. But he knew his grandmother (Lucy) well. “She lived to be 102 and was an amazing, strong woman,” he recalls. “I knew three of their six children well, one being my father, Ralph, who it was generally agreed was most in tune with my grandfather's social ideas, particularly on war. I feel that I retain many of my father's ideals, and in that way, feel the influence of my grandfather.” J.S. Woodsworth was a central figure in labour politics, including the birth of the CCF-NDP party and the creation of the founding policies of the welfare state. Beyond celebrating his achievements, conference participants will re-open the debates that were central to his thinking in light of legal, social and political change in BC. The book will be made available during the conference. (Reservations are required for the Woodworth conference, call 604.291.5100. For more information check www.sfu.ca/conferences/jswoodsworth). - 30 -
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