Melissa's Amusings: March 2015

Maple Syrup Time

Nearing the end of winter and snow still on the ground, it seems like Spring is still a far way off. An outing to Lincoln Memorial Garden and attending their Maple Syrup demonstration was a fun reminder that; Yes, Spring is around the corner!!

Does not look 'Springy', but the trees tell a different story :-)

Part of the demonstration was an attractive and informative display.

A lot of info in such a small space!

I need to remember this word for word games (Scrabble, Scattergories, etc)

different hues of syrup

First we had a short talk about the history and techniques involved in making maple syrup.

It was great having these young girls at the demonstration. They came up with very good questions 'on the spot' that I would have wondered about several days later :-)

Then outside we go to get a hands on experience of 'tapping' the trees.

Hand drill is at the correct angle.

taking turns

Yellow marking on drill indicates how deep to drill.

A few drops of sap trickling out of hole.

Tapping in the spile.

Ready to collect some sap!

After the sap is collected, the next step is to evaporate it down. We gather around to see how this procedure is accomplished.

Evaporation in progress

A double filter is used while the evaporation is in progress.

I liked all the 'steam' swirls/designs.

Unwanted sediment is strained out.

glowing embers showing through intricate grate design.

We all enjoyed getting a taste of real maple syrup!

After learning about the tapping, collecting, and evaporating ......

it is now time to enjoy !!!

Lincoln Library

Back in 1904, the library had quite a different look. Thanks to Carnegie funding $75,000 towards a building, Springfield's library finally had a 'home' for its books. This building had the Rococo architectural style with a marble staircase, many columns, and 16 different types of arches. However, the design did not include very much room for workspace/desks and books. When it opened, the library already had 35,000 books and the building only had room for 40,000.

Carnegie funded around 1600 libraries around the U.S. (thanks to person or organization that had this picture on the web)

Through some remodeling and the opening of 'branches', Springfield made this building work for the growing number of volumes in its collection. Eventually it was decided that a new building was needed. The Carnegie building was torn down in 1974 and a new one was built at the same location, the corner of 7th St and Capitol Ave. As much as I enjoy the new building/library, I am a bit saddened about the destruction of this building. Some of the marble was made into paperweights and some of the columns are located at Washington Park's Botanical Garden. In 2010 parts of the entry way was found buried at the Il. State Fairgrounds. :-(
This new building with 90,000 sq.ft. by the architects Graham& Hyde opened in 1977.

I understand why the location was desirable, with the historic Lincoln neighborhood on one side....

and a beautiful view of capitol Street!

Library is a 3 storey, granite/concrete building.

Guarding the entrance, is an 8', 800lb. statue of Lincoln. This was an $8,000 (lots of 8's involved here!) gift to Springfield from the Old Capitol Art Fair Board and Patrons. According to the artist, A.Pattison, this statue represents "marriage of modern Springfield and Lincoln's Day..."
A non-traditional statue with Lincoln's face and an abstract/cubist type body.

Beware, he's watching you!

This is a black brass and bronze statue, and the artist said that the black color may have a chemical reaction to the air and be more green in 5 yrs or so.