First Friday February 5th Crystal Erickson will be exhibiting her Photography between 5::00-8:00 pm in the Mechanics Hall Library and during Library hrs. the rest of the month.We have been researching artist Stacy Tolman(1860-1935) who painted two large mural(5'x8') that are now hanging in the stairwell leading up to the library on the second floor and Studio 1 photography on the third floor.We believe that they used to decorate the walls of the third floor Ballroom, beginning with Melvin B. Gilbert's Dance Academy in 1890.Gilbert also has a painting that stills hangs on the wall in Studio 1,the former ballroom which is dated 1892.The Tolman paintings probably also date from this era and has not been confirmed yet.Information that has been found on these two artists can be found in our library.We are gathering pictures and artifacts to embellish the Portland Room's collection for an exhibit on our Mechanics Hall in the Portland Public library.It should be ready by April1st in time for reopening of the remodeling work that is now going on phase one.Stop by and see Pat and check out the latest news and books in the library and maybe a cookie.
The picture on the left is looking east on Congress St. at Mechanics Hall ca.1878 and the one on the right is ca. 1872
First Friday February 5th Crystal Erickson will be exhibiting her Photography between 5::00-8:00 pm in the Mechanics Hall Library and during Library hrs. the rest of the month.We have been researching artist Stacy Tolman(1860-1935) who painted two large mural(5'x8') that are now hanging in the stairwell leading up to the library on the second floor and Studio 1 photography on the third floor.We believe that they used to decorate the walls of the third floor Ballroom, beginning with Melvin B. Gilbert's Dance Academy in 1890.Gilbert also has a painting that stills hangs on the wall in Studio 1,the former ballroom which is dated 1892.The Tolman paintings probably also date from this era and has not been confirmed yet.Information that has been found on these two artists can be found in our library.We are gathering pictures and artifacts to embellish the Portland Room's collection for an exhibit on our Mechanics Hall in the Portland Public library.It should be ready by April1st in time for reopening of the remodeling work that is now going on phase one.Stop by and see Pat and check out the latest news and books in the library and maybe a cookie.
