For those that keep honey bees, or enjoy reading about those that do, this season of thaw and mud is a busy one spent studying, observing, and nourishing healthy bee activity. And as we learn, much remains unknown about the wonderful world of bees. The latest addition to the large collection of historic books, pamphlets and periodicals on beekeeping and apiculture at the Dodd Research Center is a set of unique, handwritten journals by Connecticut resident Charles Pease. “Charlie” as he was known, was born in 1866 and in 1923 moved his successful printing business to Canaan, where he lived most of life. A naturalist and advocate of self-sufficient homestead living, Charlie grew proficient in keeping bees and goats, educating others about his practices as well as the medical benefits of honey and goatsmilk. Charlie’s journals date from 1919 to 1949 and are a fascinatingly personal document of bee-keeping practices, hive behavior, seasonal observations, and inventiveness.

Charlie Pease's 1946 journal

Charlie Pease's 1927 Journal

Sample the variety of imagery, designs and printmaking techniques available in the latest addition to the Dodd Research Center’s digital collections: bookplates!  These small artworks, produced to uniquely identify books with their owners and their libraries, illustrate etching, engraving, lithography and woodcut techniques of artists and printmakers from around the world.  The bookplates collection is a component of a large collection of resources that document Ex Libris and the book arts available at the Dodd Center.  Browse over 300 images represented in the digital collection currently.  Additions will follow in the coming months.

Bookplate by Gerard Gaudaen for Lou Asperslag

The earliest photographs of UConn, held at the Dodd Research Center, were made by Harry L. Garrigus, UConn class of 1897 and instructor of animal husbandry. 500 of his glass plates dating from the late 1890s are now available online through UConn Libraries’ Digital Mosaic.  To browse the collection, select the Garrigus Photograph Collection and search.  UConn’s agricultural heyday and growth are documented, as well as early administrators, staff and townspeople.  We’re adding new images weekly, so check back with us for more.

Judging sheep, 1912

Fruit trees near poultry buildings, 1897-1912

Glass plate negative