Tryon Elementary celebrates 100th Anniversary

 Tryon Elementary will celebrate 100 years on February 27, 2022. The school has changed over the years from its beginning as a high school. An elementary building was added in 1939. Gaston County school consolidation in the late 1960s made the school elementary only.

Guerrero, B. (2022, February 24). Tryon Elementary celebrates a century in the education system. Gaston Gazette. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/2022/02/23/tryon-elementary-bessemer-city-celebrates-century-educating-students/6848245001/

Tryon High School started construction in 1921 on land donated by the Marcus Beam family. The High School students initially attended Sunnyside Elementary for the first part of the 1921/1922 school year, then later transferred to the completed building. The first principal of the new high school was H. M. Loy, while the first graduating class had only three students: Mardecia Eaker, Beulah Carpenter, and Geneva Kiser. (Gaston County's educational heritage: [centennial pageant], 1857-1957. [Gastonia, NC ]: Gaston County unit of N.C.E.A. ([1957]. Image 83, 84)

 

 

Brian Brown, Librarian, Local History & Genealogy

We're Booked Up - Bringing Down the Duke

 Time for another episode of We're Booked Up! For this episode, we're discussing Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, a steamy Victorian romance.  

Use the player below to listen or look up Gaston Speaks on your preferred podcast app. And, after listening, let us know what you think!

For the next episode, we'll be reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. And don't forget to check out Wowbrary!

Eye on Gaston: Library Renovations and The Pillar of Enlightenment

The library is featured on this week's episode of Eye of Gaston. As the Main Library goes through major renovations, library staff are rethinking the library's spaces. This video gives a brief explanation of one of those parts of this ongoing project. Juan Logan's masterpiece, The Pillar of Enlightenment has been gifted to our friends at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History, where it can be restored and put on display for future generations to come. For more information check out the video and the press release below: 

FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 2021 

• Library donates Juan Logan Sculpture to Gaston County Museum to be preserved and displayed in area of prominence 

• Logan’s sculpture, Pillar of Enlightenment, was installed at Gaston County Public Library’s Main Branch in 1995 \

• Gaston County Library and Museum collaborate to make art accessible to public

Sculpture by Contemporary American Artist Juan Logan moves to the Gaston County Museum in Dallas from its original location at the Gaston County Public Library’s main branch. Before being displayed at the Museum, the sculpture will reside in the Museum’s newly renovated collection storage area on Dallas Cherryville Highway where it will undergo conservation treatment. “Public art requires a level of care that Pillar of Enlightenment has not seen in recent decades. Museum staff are keenly aware of the need to preserve this important work by Juan Logan and look forward to making it accessible to the public in a new setting” said Museum Assistant Director, Ali Pizza. Pillar of Enlightenment was commissioned by the library at the request of the Margaret McConnell Holt Estate to highlight a significant regional artist with the intent that it would be accessible for the public to appreciate and enjoy for generations to come. The museum intends to place the sculpture in an equally prominent location once conservation is finished so that the museum can interpret it’s meaning for visitors, and allow them to explore the sculpture themselves. Library Director, Susan McDonald, said of the donation of Pillar of Enlightenment, “the Library has been extremely appreciative and honored to be the display venue for Juan Logan’s work, as well as the works of many other artists. However, the Library is now facing a time of change in order to serve our patrons most effectively. We are restructuring our floor layouts and optimizing our space to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Having an opportunity to collaborate with the Museum, and to know that these works of art will be professionally cared for, interpreted, and made available for public viewing is the best choice for the artwork and in keeping with the gracious intention of the donors who gave them to the library.” The donation of the Logan sculpture comes at a time when Gaston County Leadership is striving for better collaboration between departments. Museum Director, Jason Luker, says “it has been very rewarding to work with the library on bringing artwork such as Pillar of Enlightenment into our care. It is our shared goal to preserve the art and history of this county and have it available for future generations to enjoy and study.” For more information, contact Alexandrea Pizza, Assistant Director, 704-922-7681 ext. 105 or Alexandrea.pizza@gastongov.com

First 2022 Oscar Win Predictions

The nominations have been announced! Starting tomorrow night, the first guild awards start to announce their winners, giving us a clearer picture of who is out front in the Oscar race. Before those awards, here is Andrew's first take at who might take home gold on Oscar night.

Best Picture

The Power of the Dog

Commentary - The Power of the Dog led the nomination pack, and overperformed by most pundits' standards, including getting a second Best Supporting Actor nomination. It also has the across-the-board support that films like Parasite, Nomadland, and The Shape of Water had, including the actors, the directors, the writers, and the technical branches. In confusing years like when Moonlight, Green Book, Spotlight won, it was the actor/writer focused movie that won out over the visual/director focused movie. The Power of the Dog has all the necessary components, and is the clear front runner. However, despite all evidence to the contrary, I still don't think it is a slam dunk. I think Campion is a slam dunk for Director and screenplay. But this film is not loveable. It doesn't have quite the emotional heft of films like Green Book, Nomadland, The Shape of Water, Moonlight, Spotlight, Argo, 12 Years a Slave, aka the films that have conquered the elusive preferential ballot. I think this helps Belfast and King Richard, both of which also did well with nominations, and are the types of films that may benefit from the current ballot system. 

Best Director

Jane Campion "The Power of the Dog"

Commentary - No matter what happens in Best Picture, I will be genuinely jaw-dropped if Campion doesn't sweep from here on out. 

Best Actor

Will Smith "King Richard"

Commentary - Smith will most likely win at SAG, and Cumberbatch will most likely win at BAFTA. Garfield is still the outlier threat, although tick, tick...BOOM! missing out on a Best Picture nomination  hindered some of his momentum. Conventional Oscar wisdom says that this is Will Smith's time, which would be an excellent choice for voters. But he has been filming a movie and has not been campaigning a lot. On the flipside Cumberbatch has been everywhere. We know that these campaigns are often effective (although Lady Gaga might disagree with you this year), and it could tip the scales in his favor. 

Best Actress

Jessica Chastain "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Commentary - Don't believe anyone who tells you they know who is going to win Best Actress this year. They do not. This race continues to throw curveballs, and the final one could be on Oscar night. Kidman feels like the front runner for a lot of people, but Being the Ricardos was not as well liked outside of the acting branch. That means she will probably win SAG, but may not be a lock for the Oscar. Olivia Colman is strong, and has won a lot of awards lately. The problem is that she missed at BAFTA, and if she doesn't win SAG, there is no precursor to anchor a potential win. This goes for Kristen Stewart as well. She could upset, and there would be no way to see it coming. I am going out on a limb for Jessica Chastain. Chastain has never won despite several nominations, she is magnificent in the role, her film did get support outside of her nomination, and many would argue (I would definitely argue) she is way overdue for some recognition. I'll wait to see how SAG plays out, but my hunch is Chastain is stronger than we think. 

Best Supporting Actor

Troy Kotsur "CODA"

Commentary - Everyone is predicting Kodi Smit-McPhee, as he was the critical darling, and in the Best Picture front runner. Two things could complicate his winning. First, he now has internal competition with Jesse Plemmons, who is a beloved veteran. Second, his performance is understated, odd, and has an erratic ending. By comparison, Troy Kotsur's performance in CODA makes you want to stand up and cheer. I think he surprises at SAG, and then surprises on Oscar night. 

Best Supporting Actress

Ariana DeBose "West Side Story"

Commentary - DeBose, Ellis, and Dunst would make for an interesting three-way race. The problem is that I don't think it is that much of a race. Ariana DeBose has been doing so well with the precursors, has the flashiest role of the bunch, is playing a character that has already won another actress an Oscar, and has the personal story that is really capturing the hearts of voters. I think she waltzes through the rest of the season on the way to her first Academy Award.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Jane Campion "The Power of the Dog"

Best Original Screenplay

Kenneth Branagh "Belfast"

Best Animated Feature

Encanto

Best Documentary Feature

Summer of Soul (Or When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)

Best Foreign Language Film

Drive My Car (Japan)

Best Cinematography

Dune

Best Costume Design

Cruella

Best Film Editing

Don't Look Up

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Best Original Score

Hans Zimmer "Dune"

Best Original Song

Encanto - Dos Oruguitas

Best Production Design

Dune

Best Sound

Dune

Best Visual Effects

Dune

Best Animated Short

Robin Robin

Best Documentary Short

The Queen of Basketball

Best Live Action Short

The Long Goodbye

Reminder from OverDrive

This is a friendly reminder that OverDrive is winding down support for the original OverDrive app and moving their development efforts entirely to the Libby app. Next Wednesday, February 23, the OverDrive app will be removed from app stores and will no longer be available for new patrons to download.

Existing installations of the OverDrive app will continue to work - at least for the time being. Current patrons will not wake up  to a rude surprise. At some point, however, use of the old app will be discontinued. More details from OverDrive are forthcoming, but it is unlikely to be before late 2022.

If you need assistance please feel free to contact us at help@gastonlibrary.org .

Telling our stories in Gaston, an oral history project: Erwin Center Branch Library

 Now on YouTube

In this 1996 recording, Gastonians recall the history of growing up in the Highland Community and the achievements of many of the graduates of Highland High School. Remembrances are in the form of a round table discussion.

Master of ceremonies was Gastonia City Council member Walker E. Reid, now the City of Gastonia Mayor. The event was held on Thursday, October 3, 1996 at 7:00 pm at the Erwin Center Branch Library (now the Ferguson Branch). 

 

This was part of a "public performance series featuring down-home folks and celebrating our greater Gaston history, heritage, community, and people - is presented by the Gaston County Public Library as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration honoring the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of Gaston County's founding."

Presenters: Cindy Moose, Walker Reid; Oral Historians: Glendell Brooks, Margaret Burris, James Ferguson, Peggie Ferguson, George Jaggers, Jr., Frenzola Moore, Ernest Pharr, Mae Adams Thomas, Lillian Williams. 

 

 

Telling our stories in Gaston, an oral history project: Erwin Center Branch Library [videorecording] 126 Minutes. c1996. 

 

Watch this video on the 

Gaston County Public Library YouTube Channel

 Brian Brown, Librarian, Local History & Genealogy

 

Book-Talking

 Looking for a Good – Not Necessarily New – Book?

When the library started its first blog using tumblr™, librarian Michele Risinger wanted to post teasers and reviews of books and online games she found interesting. (Hence the pseudonym “The Techie Librarian.”)  She also reposted some of my tumblr posts.

Originally posted on tumblr™ 12/15/2014

Series: Rogue Agent

1. The Accidental Sorcerer 2. Witches Incorporated 3. Wizard Squared 4. Wizard Undercover

Author: K. E. Mills; pseudonym for Karen Miller (thetalkativewriter.com)

Genre: Fantasy, Humorous Fantasy

Contains: Violence

GUEST POST from my co-worker, The Singing Librarian:

Magic is just science we don’t understand, yet. (Arthur C. Clarke)

Imagine that the medieval world studied Earth’s magic instead of hunting witches.

…That magic and science never separated into alchemy and chemistry.

…That the 1870’s is a world of whirring machines powered by thaumaturgical etheretic particles.

Enter Gerald Dunwoody, third rate wizard and a Department of Thaumaturgy Safety Compliance Officer unexpectedly faced with a factory full of energy-overloaded wizard staffs. Imagine the kablooey.

So, is it Earth gone right? Or someplace Other? There are telephones, jalopies, dirigibles, crystal balls, and [beam me over, Scotty] Portals. New Ottosland’s king requires a royal wizard. One that can do something impressive. Like turn a cat into a lion… or a lizard into…

- Xina Lowe, Librarian and hopeless nerd