In 1891 writer Robert Louis Stevenson gave his birthday away to his friend's 12 year old daughter, Annie Ide. The reason for this was that Annie was unhappy that her birthday fell on Christmas Day and that she received no special birthday celebrations, so Stevenson “deeded” her his own birthday, the 13^th of November. 

A lawyer by trade, Stevenson formalized the gift in a letter, which read: "I, Robert Louis Stevenson . . . have transferred and do hereby transfer to the said A. H. Ide, all and whole my rights and privileges in the thirteenth day of November, formerly my birthday, now, hereby and henceforth, the birthday of the said A. H. Ide."

Each year, the Robert Louis Stevenson Club celebrates Stevenson's gift to Annie Ide with an "Unbirthday Celebration". Join this year for some unbirthday cake, tea and a special presentation.

This year, our guest presenter is Monterey State Historic Park Guide Stuart Thornton, who will be sharing about Shipwrecks of the Monterey Peninsula, a topic that likely would  have interested the late Robert Louis Stevenson. 

Join as he tells the stories behind the early ships that crashed onto the Monterey Peninsula’s rocky shores. This photo-heavy presentation includes many historic images of wrecked vessels from the Pacific Grove Library’s Tuttle Collection. The talk will also relate how technological developments of the mid-19th century resulted in safer voyages for seafaring vessels along this coastline.

All are welcome. No registration required.