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...

Tina's Pic Story - Different 'D'

Tina's Pic Story  is back, we look and look for suitable pictures to follow her fun weekly theme, which this week is the letter 'D'. I was not certain which pictures to use, so...I included them all!

Brandy in Big Stony Lake, Park Rapids Minnesota

How about a Golden Retriever Dog...

Not much speed in 2002...

Data collection in the really old days...and on an old Desk!

My van, Braun conversion, 3.3 V6

My 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan

At Sunnyside, Housatonic River, Shelton Connecticut

Not to mention, our favorite waterfowl, represented by these Ducks




I am happy to document these different and diverse D's!

Ruby Tuesday 2 - One slice gone, seven to go

The original treat...

Ruby Tuesday 2 reappears with its simple proviso, a lot or a little red. So to comply, I offer this simple ruby: a pizza sourced locally, the tomato sauce the requisite ruby. The melted mozzarella and slightly burned crust are delectable additional gastronomic delights...follow more ruby dreams at RT2! 

Whimsical Windows - Second hand memories

Toby hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows - Delirious Doors. We aim to find portals of interest, elegance and style. Not necessarily in that order...

I titled the post as I did as I was not more than four at that time, so have some knowledge of the players and place.The year is 1959, the date stamps on the prints. The subjects are my father, his sister Terry and their parents Ralph and Agnes, aka Grandpa and Grandma V.

The place is in St. Paul Minnesota at St, Catherine  University, my aunt's alma mater. For unique windows, I assume the top left is a chapel on campus or somewhere else in the Twin Cities.

My grandfather used a sophisticated (for the day) German Exa SLR. Despite the camera, he wasn't looking for effect, but for the memories of where they had been. So, he and Agnes were photographed in front of wherever it was. 

I guess these are dorms, with interesting styling details if mundane windows.

What I like are the 1959 details that are all over the pictures.

Such as his suit, tie, pocket handkerchief and hat. As for her, the coat is stylish, the hat...different! I suppose the fountain statuary is the namesake of the university; The vehicle, was a 1958 Ford Ranch Wagon. The scenes are made up of many subjects, the windows flanking unique people in a unique era...

See more portals of all types at Toby's fun meme!