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The Dog Days of Summer

Lifestyle Columns

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 ...

The name ‘Duncan Phyfe’ becomes synonymous with style

Lifestyle Columns

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 ...

Louis Thompson artwork tells story of American history

Lifestyle Columns

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

Lifestyle Columns

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 ...

A new look at the ‘Dream’

Lifestyle Feature

It’s a story readers have loved for generations. But the cast and crew of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant are always bringing something new to the story of the Ingalls family’s life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s. “Every year is a new year,” said director Erin Altmann. Audiences ...

Randy (Sam) and Jo Clyne

Anniversaries

Randy (Sam) and Jo Clyne of New Ulm will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28th. They were married on June 28th, 1975 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity by Fr. Eugene Lozinski. The Clynes will celebrate the occasion up north with their kids and grandkids. Congratulations on ...