What’s new in the library? Whether you’re stopping by Millie’s or coming in for a class, take a moment to look at our newest display. In the case in front of John Menihan’s portraits of the Wilmots is a carved wooden cane. But not just any cane. Look again. The cane consists of beautifully carved animals rendered in fantastical style. The handle is crowned with a mythological hybrid horse but other creatures emerge as you look closer.
The cane was carved by Gilbert E. Griswold (1857-1947). Griswold was a sculptor originally from Pennsylvania who moved to California, first to San Francisco and then to Los Angeles in 1907. He was active in his field until his death in San Bernardino, CA.
The cane was donated to Nazareth College’s Art Department in 1994 by Kenn Scullin, a California native who had relocated to Rochester. It came into his family’s possession along with a table also carved by Griswold. A note states that it was given to the donor’s uncle by the artist for “helping him in time of need” after the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
The library staff is very excited to have this carving on permanent display for our community. It really is a wonderful piece of Americana for everyone to enjoy and is quickly becoming a treasured addition to the library’s growing art collection.
Deborah Janetos, Reference Librarian and College Archivist
