In the wake of revelations from Andrea Robin Skinner, daughter of acclaimed author Alice Munro, Huron County officials are facing increasing pressure to reconsider tributes to Munro throughout the area.
In an interview with CBC, Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn acknowledged the gravity of Skinner’s disclosure that Munro’s second husband, Gerald Fremlin, had sexually abused her as a child. Despite Munro's awareness of the abuse, she chose to remain married to Fremlin until his death in 2013. Ginn expressed his shock at the revelations and indicated that while Munro's achievements remain significant, the community must find a way to grapple with the legacy she leaves behind. Ginn admitted that if public outcry mounts, they would consider amending a monument located outside the library in Clinton, which features a metal bench acknowledging Munro's Nobel Prize win.
North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the need to support Skinner while also considering the community’s admiration for Munro's literary contributions.
"At this time, North Huron council has not yet discussed the matter," Heffer stated in response to an inquiry from CKNXNewsToday.ca about possible changes to the Alice Munro Literary Garden and the Alice Munro Public Library in Wingham.
Andrea Robin Skinner’s essay in the Toronto Star detailed the abuse she endured at the hands of Fremlin, beginning when she was nine-years-old.