Buckham Memorial Library Tour

Buckham Memorial Library Tour
Buckham Center, Downtown Faribault, MN
www.faribault.org
Judge Thomas Scott Buckham
1835-1928
Anna Mallary Buckham
1838-1935
Anna Buckham had this library built as a
Judge Buckham was the son of a Scottish
minister, born in Vermont. In 1857 he met
memorial to her husband, Judge BuckAnna, and then moved to MN with $200 of
ham, to carry on his core values of educagold in his pocket. The couple wrote letters
to one another for 10 years before marrying
tion and promotion of the arts.
in 1866. Before becoming a judge, Buckham
worked for the U.S. Land Office in Faribault, became an attorney, and defended the outlaw Jesse James.
Anna and Thomas both loved the arts. Anna studied music and Thomas studied Greek culture, particularly
Greek art. His love of the Greek culture is reflected in the design of the Buckham Library.
Judge Buckham was very frugal, the couple never had a home. While Anna was in the East for years caring
for family, Buckham secretly built her a fine home. After years of being away, she finally came back to Faribault, but her husband had just passed away.
In Judge Buckham’s honor, Anna had this memorial built to carry on his core values of education and promotion of the arts.
The Buckham Family
A repeating arch motif was used throughout the interior and exterior.
- Art Noveau (Art Deco) Moderne Style
Greek Revival adornment.
Designed by Charles Buckham.
- Classical arch motif repeated throughout the
building - in windows, doorways, Connick Window, fireplaces, and the murals, etc.
- Bronze window with stained glass to block sun.
- 5200 blocks of Kasota limestone were used over
a steel I-beam understructure.
- Built as a cultural center.
- Built at a cost of $240,000 in year 1929.
The art collection and books were not included.
- Other Greek features include a terrazo floor
and an oculus.
Library Features
Prayer Rug (Circa 1880-1930)
This rug was part of the Buckham’s original art collection.
Made in Caucasia in the Middle
East, it is hand-knotted. The detail in the rug shows, among
other things, an arch as its principal feature. The arch’s position
is directed towards Mecca when
being used. The geometric shape
of the arch designates it as a
typical Daghestan/Kabistan-style
Caucasian weaving.
The Prayer Rug
(L-R)
Goddess of Peace
God of Comedy
Nike, God of Victory
God of Tragedy
Aries, God of War
Zeus
(Middle, Center)
Pericles
Statesman
& Orator
“Age of Pericles”
Leonidas (Right)
Military Hero
Spartans at
Thermopylae
Socrates
Philosopher
Homer (Center)
Greek Legend
& Olympian
Immortal
Aeschylus (Center)
Plays & Poetry
Lycurgus (Right)
Mythical State
Father
Athens
Goddess Gaea
Art & Philosophy Giver of all Life
This rare stained glass work was created in Boston
at the famous Connick Studio. It’s Greek theme reflects the most important symbols, Gods, Goddesses
and other figures from the height of Greek culture in
400 B.C.
Sparta
Military Genius
Designed to be the heart of the Buckham Memorial
Library, reflecting Buckham’s love of Greek culture.
Painting with light and glass illuminates the window’s important features, beckoning visitors to learn
the enduring values of education and art.
Charles Connick Window
“Indian Archer”
1914
“Peace Pipe”
1914
Cyrus Dallin (1861-1914)
Dallin is best known sculptures are of
Indian chiefs, colonial leaders generals
and presidents, and a monumental equestrian statue erected in Boston. These 3-foot statues
of Indians were reproduced and sold to collectors and educational institutions by
1915. Dallin was a internationally-known artist of many mediums.
Cyrus Dallin Sculptures
Grace McKinstry (1859-1936)
“The Horse Fair” Reproduction from Rosa Bonheur, painted in 1853-55.
This classic oil painting by Grace McKinstry was commissioned by Anna Buckham to
adorn the fireplace area in the original children’s reading room.
McKinstry was the daughter of a pioneer newspaperman in Faribault. As a young
woman, she received her education at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, went on to the
Mpls. and Chicago Institutes of Art, and studied art in Paris with Raphael Collin. he
became an internationally-known portrait painter and her paintings many prominent people are held in many public collections in the U.S. and abroad.
Grace McKinstry was featured in the 1936 “Who’s Who in America.”
Grace McKinstry Painting
Olympia
- Symbol of athletic perfection
- Warrior race showing enthusiasm
- Beginning of “Olympics”
- All Greek city-states invited, a truce was called
during the games, militaries suspended wars.
- The city’s athletic complex included hotels, colliseums, field houses, etc. to accomodate thousands
of people from all over Greece.
Athens
- Symbol of arts and philosophy, and the
sciences. Advanced civilization.
- Climax of intellect
- Scene shows sophist instructing disciples
ethics and morals, for a high fee.
- Birthplace of Plato, Socrates
- Parthenon classic Greek architecture on
the Acropolis.
Murals painted by Alfred Hyslop, former Carleton College art professor. Scenes are symbols of the
Golden Age of Greece, 400 B.C., Olympia (Athletic prowess), Athens (Arts & Philosophy), Sparta
(Courage & Bravery), Delphi (Worship & Reverence). The scenes painted in lasting vivid color, with attention paid to show realistic details.
The Greek Murals
Sparta
- Symbol of military perfection, genius and courage.
- Scene shows cadet training by Spartans
- Famous for the Thermopylae battle versus
Xerxes and the Persian Army.
- Spears, helmets and swords shown in realistic style.
- Composition is one-point perspective.
Delphi
- Symbol of worship, reverence and sacrifice
- Home of the Oracle, the source of wisdom
- Shrine of Apollo temple
- Goat sacrifice for sin
- Drapery folds replicated in classic Greek
stone sculpture.
The Greek Murals