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Lamps provide a new artists’ medium

The invention of the electric light bulb didn’t just introduce an improved, more convenient, safer light source. It gave designers new inspiration. As the use of electric lights spread during the late 19th to early 20th centuries, lamps with colorful opaque glass shades became popular. They made beautiful decorations, whether on or off, and the intense electric light shining through the glass often gave the design a whole new look. Tiffany, Handel, and Pairpoint made the most famous lamps of the time. They have stunning, high-quality shades made with complex techniques, and the bases ...

Summer Is Fun at the Library!

When you are looking for summer fun, your first stop should be the library! We have a variety of activities, borrowable items, and more to keep you busy and entertained. During 2024, we added Recreation Center passes. We have two single and two family (up to four people) passes that can be borrowed for seven days at a time. They grant you access to our wonderful New Ulm Recreation Center, where you can swim, play on the indoor playground, use exercise equipment, walk on the indoor track, and more. We’re so pleased to have added three Minnesota State Park passes to our collection ...

The name ‘Duncan Phyfe’ becomes synonymous with style

By Terry and Kim Kovel Some designers become so popular that their name becomes synonymous with their style. This can make matters confusing for collectors. Duncan Phyfe furniture is one of the most famous examples. Cabinetmaker Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854) came to America in 1784, served in an apprenticeship in Albany, New York, and had his own workshop by 1792. He made furniture in many styles popular in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, including Sheraton, Empire, Regency, and Rococo Revival. By the 20th century, however, “Duncan Phyfe” referred to a reproduction of Empire ...

The Dog Days of Summer

By Kathryn Tatnall Youth Services Librarian Did you know the term “Dog Days” refers to the heat and humidity of the mid-summer months of July and August here in the Northern Hemisphere? Most sources agree that Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer, but the exact dates can vary from source to source because they are tied to the dawn rising of the star Sirius, also known as the Dog star, and they change over time. The Old Farmer’s Almanac considers the Dog Days to begin on July 3 and end on August 11, which is typically the worst of the summer’s heat. I always picture a dog lying ...

Louis Thompson artwork tells story of American history

Sometimes, all we know about an artist from the past comes from their artwork. This is especially true of folk and outsider artists; collectors are often lucky to know their names. Fortunately, artist Louis E. Thompson signed and dated his works, like the mixed media wall sculpture shown here, made in 1932, that sold for $343 at Alex Cooper Auctioneers. Several other pieces by Thompson sold at the same auction, providing an overview of his art style. They included similar relief wall sculptures painted gold, multicolor mixed media figures painted in patterns, and scenic pictures on ...

July special programs

Any time of year is a great time to stop into the library, but summer can be an especially happening time as kids are out of school and people want to get out of the house and enjoy a variety of activities. Of course, we’re happy to help with your cabin fever in winter too! In any case, we have some great special programs happening in the month of July that are outside of our regular weekly and monthly offerings. We have programs for children, teens, adults, and for every age. I’ll be highlighting our special programs for adults and some for all ages. Several of these programs were ...