Treasures of the Rare Books Room - Floral Calendar
October
Like his father, Charles P. Durward (1844-1875) was an artist. He was also the editor of the Milwaukee Catholic Review. Not only did he paint religious scenes, but horticultural as well. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and exploring the wilderness around his Caledonia home. Unfortunately, his curiosity killed him when he found a mysterious root, cooked it, ate it, got sick and died at the young age of 31. Wild parsnip may have been the offending plant. Before his unfortunate demise he painted the beautiful Floral Calendar Gathered From the Glen (1873) that the Milwaukee Public Library owns. It contains 12 delicate paintings of plants and flowers, one for each month of the year. It is a delight to see.
May
This is part of our Rarities Collection and cannot be checked out. Please call the Art, Music and Recreation department at 286-3071 to schedule an appointment to see this beautiful book.