Ruby Tuesday Too - Ansonia Public Library

Ansonia Public Library, 2015-10-10. Camera settings give wide angle look. Photo by Patti.

It is time for Ruby Tuesday Too, where we showcase that often arresting color red. I am offering an updated view of our public library in our small (19,000) city of Ansonia Connecticut.

The Ansonia Public Library was built in 1891-92. The exterior walls were constructed of red Longmeadow freestone from western Massachusetts. The foundation walls were constructed of granite from local quarries around Ansonia.

The architect was George Keller, renowned for his Civil War and military monuments, best exemplified by the impressive Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford CT. 

Here, details abound in this view from across the street, including its dramatic arched entrance and leaded glass windows. The interior is beautiful too, with plenty of oak, a stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings.

The library - was dedicated in 1892 but until the city finally approved an annual appropriation of $1,500 in 1896. Elected representation no doubt acceded to the wishes of the voters back then it seems, the public being more than ready for this impressive center of learning...

Whimsical Windows - A Salute to the showman

Toby's architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors is back, and with the world in such commotion, now a bit of whimsy is warranted :)

We visited the town of Bethel Connecticut and we knew a famous person who was born there, none other than the famous showman P.T. Barnum. We actually made the trek to the hilly Fairfield County burg of Bethel to meet a friend for lunch and as we were passing through, saw the statue of the impresario at the town's library. Windows of this 1800s building are part of this post but of greater importance is our daughter Allegra and her relationship to the bronze statue of P.T....Patti capturing her pose and selfie. So the windows are peripheral to the charming whimsy...

Ruby Tuesday 2 - Unfurled

Ruby Tuesday 2 is here, and we merely provide a bit of ruby red.

At the Derby Public Library, I was taking pictures on a day of spectacular sun and blue, I am on the shady, downhill side of the building, the stone wall and tree fill the frame. Except, we notice in this mix of shade and blue a flag, unfurled and fluttering in the breeze.

The mix of white, blue and red stands in its glory - a fine ruby addition! See more at RT2.

Whimsical Windows - Turn of the Century

Toby most graciously hosts the architectural meme Whimsical Windows / Delirious Doors. We capture portals and panes of note in our travels. Which today is the Derby (CT) Public Library, opened in 1902 with renovations completed in 2000. To the left is the original front door. I think hat the windows that flank the door are restored with with the original glazing as well as the transom above.

To the right is the accessible door at the end of the new wheelchair ramp added - thus, I am able to enter. No style in the modern door. However, it has  means that I can enter the library. The door is modern and nondescript - now with a pushbutton to easily open it :)

The original windows were restored beautifully, and this wall of windows that lets the natural daylight filter onto the patrons - just as in 1902. 

The original entrance with steps sits as in the old days to welcome all seekers of knowledge. The house in the back is probably as old as the library itself, the neighborhood style not much changed at the corner of Elizabeth and Caroline Streets. Follow more portals and panes at this fun meme!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Derby Public

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 reappears for the week, and we search for and provide shadowy art. Today, a favorite building of ours, an early 20th century beauty, is the Derby Public Library was opened in 1905, and was renovated and reopened again in 2000.

It is a fine looking structure, the stone facade massive yet the large windows add a brilliance that makes it a bit less imposing. And, the renovation allowed for me wheelchair entry - a definite plus for me :)

The facade of the addition followed the original style in stone and windows. A stunning building outside and in...The stone follows the outside the building in the walls that surround the building. A granite stairway is curvaceous, the shadows falling along the wall contours, the handrail adding shadowy and curvaceous nuance to the scene...

The shady side shows off the massive style. In the renovation, modern windows, of the same style when built, replaced the windows. When you look at the scene, the building seems stern and overbearing. However, with the huge windows at each level, the interior is very bright from the outdoor light - just like in the old days.

It takes work to find the seam that separates the original and new sections on this wall. - it is just the stone beyond the vertical drainpipe. The changes from old to new are almost imperceptible. With the multi-pane windows, shadows fall inside the closed-for-the day library, the panes allowing for cool effects on both sides of the glass

The shadow hunter captures himself with the point-and-shoot, the hunt for shadows always a fun pursuit...