Even after a very brief visit to The Porcupine’s Quill, it is easy to see what attracts writers to the small publishing company and why it has had so much local and international success.
The independent press, located on Main Street in downtown Erin, just feels like home. Perhaps that’s because the quaint office and press shop are reflections of co-founders Tim and Elke Inkster, for whom the building actually is home.
The Inksters have lived above the office in Erin for over 35 years, dedicating much of their life to the production of over 200 publications, many of which have received widespread acclaim for both editorial content and book design.
But one of their proudest moments came just last week, when Governor General Michaelle Jean announced the Inksters would join 73 others as the latest recipients of the Order of Canada.
“Shock and surprise,” Tim simply said when asked to describe his reaction to the News.
“I can think of a dozen people more deserving than me, but I don’t want to turn it down because it may not be offered again,” he added with a laugh.
His wife, Elke, was equally surprised by the Canada Day announcement.
“It’s quite an honour … It’s wonderful,” she said, adding the best part about being named to the Order is she and Tim were nominated together, which doesn’t often happen.
“We have worked together since 1974 and have been married for 38 years, so it’s a lovely honour to receive this recognition together,” Elke said.
Elke was born in Germany and later lived in Oakville, while Tim grew up in Montreal. The couple met during French class at the University of Toronto, and married sometime later.
The Order of Canada is the country’s top civilian honour and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
The citation released by Jean’s office stated the Inksters will be recognized, “For their contributions to publishing in Canada and for their promotion of new authors, as co-founders of The Porcupine’s Quill, a small press known for the award-winning beauty and quality of its books.”
Tim said the honour is extra special considering the impressive group of individuals with whom they will be recognized at a ceremony likely to be held early next year – including former Prime Minister Kim Campbell, rock legend Randy Bachman, Canadian Auto Workers trade union President Buzz Hargrove, and broadcaster Peter Mansbridge.
He humbly told the Wellington Advertiser he can’t imagine saying much to those individuals, though he would love to listen to what they have to say. Tim added he never thought he would be receiving such an honour.
“It’s pretty thrilling as I approach the end of my career in publishing to be recognized like this,” he said. “I always thought this work was a meaningful endeavour, but it’s nice to know someone else thinks so as well.”
And while Tim hinted at retirement, Elke joked that her her husband is “never going to retire.”
She said the couple loves living and working in Erin, and though they do plan to slow down a bit as they approach 65, there is no plan to shut the business down.
“We have no children, so the business is our baby,” she said with a smile. “We love this work, and we’ve done it forever.”
