121-year link between Bolton and literature celebrated

9:53pm Thursday 15th May 2008

THE unusual 121-year-old link between Bolton and one of America's greatest literary figures is celebrated this month on Whitman Day.

It is 25 years on May 31 since the revival of this special occasion. But its history goes back much further, to 1887 when a group of Bolton friends sent Walt Whitman a birthday card.

The small collection of clerks and clergymen were admirers of the radical and controversial poet, and this simple gesture - to which Whitman responded - sparked a friendship which outlived both Whitman and his local correspondents.

It also spawned a special relationship between Bolton and the great man. And each year since - with a gap in the 1960s and 70s - the town has celebrated his birthday with a walk on the Lancashire moors, modern fans reading his poetry, and passing round Whitman's loving cup brought back from America.

This cup, plus other items like his stuffed canary, joins a variety of his work held in Bolton Central Library to create one of the largest Whitman archives in the UK.

The original Bolton Whitman Group of working class intellectuals had a wide circle of famous friends, including key figures in the early socialist movement like Keir Hardie, and held regular readings of his verse.

Dubbed the "Father of American Poetry", Whitman's work still has contemporary resonance. And visitors from around the country and from America are expected in Bolton for the celebratory events which start on Friday, May 30.

There will be talks and an exhibition at Bolton Art Gallery, and the launch of two books. One is by American author Michael Robertson, professor of English at the College of New Jersey and entitled "Worshipping Walt", and the other by Bolton's Dr Paul Salveson, a new edition of "With Walt Whitman in Bolton". Both are available at Sweetens bookshop on Deansgate.

On the Saturday, there will be the annual Whitman Day walk, meeting at 2pm from Barrow Bridge bus turnaround for a five-mile route ending at the Bryan Hey tea rooms on Scout Road.

The moorland readings are very much in keeping with Whitman's expressed feelings for the outdoors, and walkers will wear sprigs of lilac - his favourite flower.

Commented group member Eileen Murphy: "In a way, Whitman's work is timeless and it is this enjoyment of his writing that binds us together. The link between him and Bolton may, on the surface, seem unusual, but there are similarities and everyone who would like to join us in the celebrations would be very welcome."

Find out more by ringing Stuart Murray on 01204 417268 or Margaret Koppens on 01204 597644.

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