AHS Images

These images are from a project I did for the Arlington Historical Society.  I am posting them as I do not have prints, and I was looking for detail examples.  The project came about when the Curator, Linda G. mentioned the vast collection of items that only had accession cards and no descriptions.  I offered to photograph them to help update the records.  Of the thousands of items I shot that summer here are just a few.

In the collection of apothocary bottles were a vial of opium and other tinctures of questionable medical benefit.

 The camera was found with film inside and it was decided not to process the film.  I would be very curious what if anything is on there.  Of course knowing that it has been opened several times I doubt the film would be intact.

St. Patrick's Day in MKE

Well today was the St. Patrick's Day parade in Milwaukee.  You'll be able to tell from the photos that is was very different from last year's in New Orleans.

I was watched for a good part of the parade by this young gentleman.  "Teddy Bear".  He kept a eye on everything, but was amazingly well behaved. 

 Sally Severson the channel 12 personality  was on hand and after her co-worker dropped a large bag of candy on the ground they were swarmed by children, but recovered well.

Some of the children from the step dancing schools did not look entirely enthusiastic, but they were all adorable-Even if the larger number of wings and fake curl add ons were a little frightening.

And of course there were the Irish Wolf Hounds  The size of small ponies they were a hit.

 There was also a contingent of miniature motorized boats.  To celebrate Milwaukee's connection to the lakefront.

I haven't gotten a chance to go out and play in the snow yet, but before it snowed I did get a chance to go up to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center.  I went, not for any medical reason, but because there is a distinctive building you can see from the highway that is somewhat on my way home so I went to investigate it....Although I went to investigate the building referred to as "Old Main" What I discovered was the Wadsworth Library.

A working card catalog.  YEAH.  

When I was at the West Allis Library their computers were down, they had no way of telling which books they had.  

 Although this is a working public library, when I went only the librarian was present.  A nice man who answered all my questions, but I know I was interrupting his reading.

Built in 1891 for $12,000.  The Library, considered support services, was built to free up space in the Old Main. The dark walnut bookcases in the upstairs were moved from the original reading room in the Old Main as part of the attempt to free up space.

Not a particularly beautiful building outside, but the inside was amazing.  With its hard wood book cases and charming architectural details it is a jewel.  The only sad part is the original skylight has been covered to prevent damage from water leaks.  You can see the stained glass but only with the dark backing behind it.

Well I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit.  I thought unlike VA I would definitely have a white Christmas in WI...but alas it is not to be so....  The rain pours down in buckets, and although the fog has rolled in again, this time it just seems a little dreary.  What better time to look around the city some more?

 Just a couple blocks from where I work is Grand Avenue.  Where each intersection has it's own chandelier.  The effect during the day is somewhat quizzical, but at night...

 If you wander by the river walk you will have a good view of the park and its assortment of holiday light displays.  Reindeer, candy canes, santa's castle and even soldiers trumpeting 

 On a clear evening the water is like glass.

Across the road in front of Starbucks is the ice rink.  It has just opened, with the drop in temperatures.         The rink is surrounded by decorated Christmas trees from the various businesses.

All the lights do help to get in the spirit of the holiday.

Rainy, snowy, foggy, or a pleasant sunny green...Whatever you holiday forecast is I hope it is a beautiful one.  Happy Holidays

So the first snow has melted and the night is filled with fog....one of my favorite times to wander the city.  Everything has an air of mystery.

Just a chance to share a little more of my new city.  I promise as the days go I will start traveling farther afield, but for now you get glimpses of the area downtown where I work.  

Here is a view of the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Co.  (a.k.a. the backstage area of the Rep) with the tiny Rep sign showing between the buildings 

 The beautiful top of the Pabst Theatre and its detail 

The clock at the top of the old courthouse across the street.  It is details like this that make me wonder if part of my love for architectural  details didn't come from some of these buildings when I was a kid.

So it is Christmastime in Wisconsin.  I had planned to spend the last of the good weather and my time between matinee and evenings show documenting this beautiful city...but today I got sidetracked by Santa.  Actually a whole swarm of Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen and other people riding on their bikes through downtown.

Known as the the Santa Rampage their page says there were going to be upwards of 700 Santas taking part in the ride.

Most of them came by where I worked at the Marcus Center and all around people were getting into the Christmas spirit.  How could you not?

It was hard not to smile at this happy cast of characters