Historical information on the Capitan Library 2014-2019. What a great place to be during those years!
Monday, August 20, 2018
September and October Book club
if you missed the program on Aug 19, here's some Lady Liberty facts of interest
Information from https://invest.usgoldbureau.com/news/lady-liberty-american-coinage/
The Evolution of Lady Liberty On American Coinage
With the recent celebration of the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint we will also be celebrating the 225th birthday of the ever-present Lady Liberty. Throughout the past few centuries we’ve seen her on our coinage as a constantly evolving emblem. Lady Liberty has been depicted sitting or standing, with an axe or sword, her hair flowing behind her or pinned back, and more. Despite her many forms, we always recognize her as the symbol from which she began.
Before the establishment of the United States Mint in 1792 with the Coinage Act or Mint Act, American currency was comprised of a variety of foreign coins and tokens or coins created by individual states. A few years prior, the United States Constitution had been enacted, leading Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton to present a report to Congress with his recommendations for the beginnings of an official American currency.
The eventual Senate committee, chaired by Robert Morris, would follow these recommendations, and call for President George Washington to be depicted on one side of each coin leaving the mint. After some debate between the Senate and House, it was settled that, instead of our first president, each coin would have a depiction of something that we now know as Lady Liberty. The newly enacted law stated that, “Upon one side of each of the said coins there shall be an impression emblematic of liberty, with an inscription of the word Liberty, and the year of the coinage...”.
Lady Liberty: The Face of American Coins
In the beginning, the most noteworthy examples of Lady Liberty could be found on the silver dollar, though the idea of liberty was to be present on all of the half cents, cents, half dismes [sic], dismes, quarter dollars, half dollars, dollars, quarter eagles, half eagles and eagles Americans would now be able to spend.
1794: The First Lady Liberty Coin
Her first silver dollar is now commonly known as the "Flowing Hair" dollar.
A few of the “Flowing Hair” dollars made it into circulation towards the end of 1794, and though the design was well liked, the press used in the minting process was found to be too weak for the proper striking of coins. A more powerful press was soon ordered to remedy the situation.
1795: The Next Coin With Lady Liberty
Despite the success of her design, the first depiction of Lady Liberty on these silver dollars lasted only a year or so before being replaced by the “Draped Bust” dollar in October of 1795. The “Draped Bust” iteration was produced until 1803, when a need for smaller denominations shifted the focus of the United States Mint.
1836: The Year Lady Liberty Starts to Evolve
The design for these coins and the silver dollars (which were reproduced until the 1850s) remained mostly unchanged until the “Gobrecht” dollar of 1836. The “Gobrecht” dollar and the "Seated Liberty" dollar that followed departed from the profiles and busts of past coinage. Here we find our evolving Lady Liberty seated, holding a shield in one hand and a flag in the other.
1878: The New Face of Lady Liberty
In 1878, Lady Liberty reverted back to a bust in profile view with the "Morgan" dollar.
The designer of the 1878 silver dollar, George Morgan, came to the United States Mint with the idea that Lady Liberty should be modeled after an American woman, rather than utilizing the traditional Greek features found on many currencies across the globe.
Shortly thereafter, Anna Willess Williams became the new face of Lady Liberty. Anna was a resident of Philadelphia and had what Morgan deemed to be a “perfect” profile.
1916: The Naked Lady Liberty Coin
During the Art Nouveau craze, Hermon A. McNeil showed us Lady Liberty at her most risqué. With an olive branch in hand, this depiction was meant to represent peace, but the 1916 quarter showed her standing between two pillars with one breast exposed.
The release of the "Standing Liberty" quarter was met with immediate censure from the public, and the design was soon adjusted to present Lady Liberty in a full suit of armor. Rumor has it that McNeil was not pleased about this change, and that the armor was an act of spite.
1921: Lady Liberty Makes Peace
The year 1921 brings us another shot at a peaceful incarnation of Lady Liberty. We see her return to profile, but with a few new twists.
Earlier that year, a competition was held to find designs that represented peace. On the silver dollar that would later be known as the "Peace" dollar, Lady Liberty finds her representation in the multi-cultural depiction of her as a goddess. Artist, Anthony de Francisci, shows her brilliantly crowned and seemingly windswept, while the customary eagle on the other side of the coin holds an olive branch and perches above the word “PEACE”. De Francisci’s wife, Teresa, was the model for this profile of Lady Liberty, while the crown is meant to be reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty.
Lady Liberty Steps Back From Circulating Coins
As Lady Liberty evolved, so did the coins commonly in circulation amongst the public. Lady Liberty has continued to be featured on many of our higher value coins, while the faces of President Abraham Lincoln, President Thomas Jefferson, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and President George Washington have replaced her for everyday use. Eventually she was joined by the likes of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea.
We’ve seen Liberty’s journey from being represented by one man to something of an ideal. Then Morgan took her from a classical Grecian appearance to a representation of American women. Liberty’s depiction was used to evoke peace when it was sorely needed in our country.
2017: The New Face of Lady Liberty
Today, Lady Liberty is evolving again – this time to even better represent the diversity of the American people.
Last year, the United States Mint announced that a commemorative hundred-dollar coin would be released to celebrate its upcoming 225th anniversary. One side will again feature Lady Liberty’s proud profile, but this time she’s African-American.
A press release from the Mint states:
"The 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin is the first in a series of 24-karat gold coins that will feature designs which depict an allegorical Liberty in a variety of contemporary forms-including designs representing Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Indian-Americans among others-to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States.”
Related posts:
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Interesting program : Saturday, August 18 from 9 AM until noon
Lincoln County Bird Club (LCBC) in conjunction with Smokey Bear Ranger Station presents "Out of town company: birds that spend the summer in our mountains" on Saturday, August 18 from 9 AM until noon at Smokey's Garden at the Ranger Station, 901 Mechem, Ruidoso. The public is invited. LCBC welcomes birders of all levels to their presentations and to join their group. Smokey Bear Ranger Station: 575-258-4095. LCBC: jw_e@beyondbb.com or 575- 937-5416 and leave message.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Artist showing at the Capitan Library through November 21st
A great starting point for a new hobby is a period of crisis in
ones own life. In my case, it was when my first husband was diagnosed with cancer and would not live long,
his mother found a drawing/ pastel class to distract me.
ones own life. In my case, it was when my first husband was diagnosed with cancer and would not live long,
his mother found a drawing/ pastel class to distract me.
Thus began my love affair with art. I could begin
working on a picture in the evening and before I
looked up it was 2 a.m. in the morning! When my
husband died I couldn’t seem to draw or do
pastels any more. Then I became a teacher and there was
no time to paint.
I remarried and about forty years later my family bought me art
supplies: an easel, oil paints and brushes, everything I would need
to paint in oils. After retiring from teaching three years ago, I joined
That fall I began studying with Daniel
Edmondson online. To my surprise he
Edmondson online. To my surprise he
wanted to see each painting as it was
finished and he made videos explain-
ing what was good about each
painting and how I could improve.
ing what was good about each
painting and how I could improve.
Wow! I loved it all.
I still try to never miss the Friday art
I still try to never miss the Friday art
group. Edmondson’s instruction
advanced my skills immeasurably.
water and rocks. I enjoy
painting everything from
landscapes to still lifes,
flowers. I am enjoying the
challenge of painting
animals and wildlife and
capturing action in ranch
scenes.
My studio is very small. It’s the space
between my dining room and kitchen
next to the sink, and includes the
counter space coffee pot and tea boxes.
A skylight and a nearby window provide
plenty of light.
Round Up (reference Julie Carter photo) |
Balloons at White Sands |
Malpais and Cactus |
Black Bear |
Butterfly on Dahlia (reference photo by Krystyna Orzeł-Jowsa) |
Fawn |
Barbara Cooper has many paintings she would like to share with our patrons, so she promises to come and exchange paintings throughout her art show stay at the Capitan Library. Be sure to check the art everytime you come to the library to see what's new!
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Aug 19th Sunday program at 2 pm
The Sweep of American History and Culture as
Revealed through Currency and Coins
Capitan Public Library 102 East 2nd Street, Capitan, NM 575.354.3035
Program: Sunday, August 19th, 2:00 PM
Presented by David Higgins
Eagles, Bison, Native Americans, Tennessee Woodsmen, Discovery of America,
Western Expansion, Explosion of Agriculture, Rapid Industrialization,
Idealization of Women, Wars, and more.
The numerous re-issues of currency and coins glow with insights into
the people and events that have made Americans proud.
They are a serial depiction of how our culture and values have evolved.
The line of evolution will be revealed through numerous photographs
of currency and coins and the interesting stories behind their design.
Special attention will be given to the introduction, development, and eventual disappearance of Miss Liberty |
David Higgins is a retired finance professor
who taught at universities in Arizona, Wisconsin,
and Texas. His expertise areas are economics,
financial management, treasury operations,
and personal investment management prior to
and during retirement.
He conducts short classes that address current
economic conditions, personal asset management,the history of money, and the history of the Southwest.
David and his wife Peggy reside in Denton, Texas, and spend much of the summer in Ruidoso.
NOTE: A light lunch will be served during an intermission in the 90-minute program. Please RSVP for the lunch portion at 575.354.3035.
Contributions to defer the lunch cost will be appreciated.
The Capitan public library is donor supported. Donations and/or volunteer
assistance are always needed and much appreciated.
For more information call Capitan Public Library at 575-354-3035.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
This Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Saturday, Aug 4 is $5 for a BAG of Books day.
Library is open on Saturday 10 am to 2 pm
First Friday is Aug 3 at 7pm, see information below
Thursday, Aug 2 is an Alto Artist Studio Tour PREVIEW party at the Spencer Theater 5pm to 7pm. Great music (of course - it's music performed by Debbie Myers, Fred Kinnan and Jim Helms), awesome ART, a Silent Auction, see special guest Michael Hurd and Free food! See you there!
This presentation is based on the title of the recently published
Library is open on Saturday 10 am to 2 pm
First Friday is Aug 3 at 7pm, see information below
Thursday, Aug 2 is an Alto Artist Studio Tour PREVIEW party at the Spencer Theater 5pm to 7pm. Great music (of course - it's music performed by Debbie Myers, Fred Kinnan and Jim Helms), awesome ART, a Silent Auction, see special guest Michael Hurd and Free food! See you there!
in New Mexico’s Archives
Capitan Public Library welcomes
Chautauqua Speaker
Chautauqua Speaker
Robert J. Torrez
Friday, August 3, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.
This presentation is based on the title of the recently published
Voices From the Past, The Comanche Raid of 1776 and other Tales of
New Mexico History, the second volume of short stories taken from
the author’s long-running monthly column, “Voices From the Past,
which has been published in Round the Roundhouse since 1992.
which has been published in Round the Roundhouse since 1992.
The first volume of these articles was published by the
University of New Mexico Press in 2004 under the title,
UFOs Over Galisteo and Other Stories of New Mexico’s History.
Robert J. Tórrez, an award-winning author of six books,
was born and raised in northern New Mexico community of Los Ojos.
After attending Tierra Amarilla High School, he received his undergraduate
and graduate education at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas
and the University of New Mexico. Torres served as the New Mexico State
Historian from 1987 until his retirement in 2000.
He continues to research New Mexico’s archives, teach short-term adult
education courses, lecture and write on various aspects of New Mexico history.
He continues to research New Mexico’s archives, teach short-term adult
education courses, lecture and write on various aspects of New Mexico history.
This program is made available through New Mexico Humanities Council
Refreshments will follow the presentation.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Capitan Library Rocked this Summer!
Capitan Public Library completed a exciting summer reading program July 23. With music being an instrumental part of the program, several musicians performed for the children and their parents; the children were able to play some of the instruments. The program ended with pinata ruination, hot dogs, and water games.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
Bookclub reads
On Thursday, August 2 @ 10 am, we will be discussing Less by Andrew Sean Greer. It won the Pulitzer Prize and was the June selection of the PBS NewsHour Book Club.
The book for September will be
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. It will be a quick read at 120 pages. It is based on a true story, set in Sudan.
The book for September will be
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. It will be a quick read at 120 pages. It is based on a true story, set in Sudan.
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