The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1934-05-25

is given at approximately seven tons.
The purpose of Memorial Hail. or the Shrine
Room, is to inspire good citizenship in all those
who visit it. This inspiration will come from the
room itself, it's architectural treatment its shape
and lighting which all form a magnificent set
ting for the American flag, hanging in the center
of the ROOM above which shines the crystal Star
of Destiny. Beneath the flag is placed the Altar
of Conservation. 1t is also presumed that the
room will extend a hand of fellowship and well
come to all nations of the world as typihed in
the inscriptions on the four sides of the Altar
Around the inside perimeter of the room is a
marble wainscot about II feet high. In this mar
BILE wainscot on the east and west sides are six
inches, three on each side, which frame the pOr-
traits of the leading soldiers of America, France
England, Belgium, Italy and Serbia, painted by
Walter Brough. Above the marble wainscot
around the entire perimeter of the room is an
allegorical sculptured frieZe; the subject on the
north wall represents America joining the Allies,
under the conditions of war prevailing, the
head of war appearing over the world of turmoil
The east and west sides are devoted to the por-
trayal of the great struggle. The south side indi-
Gates the contrasting conditions realized by ult-
mate peace and the activities of mankind under
these conditions. The sculptor for this work was
Frank Jirouch.
The main architectural features of the room
are the 16 dark red columns of American marble
EOOu' the ShdllS VI WHICH dAS
approximately 40 feet high; the color OF the
marble itself being symbol. The columns stand
unusually clsse together, symbolizing the de-
tense of the nation in their sturdy quality and
the aspiration of the nation in their verticality.
The columns stand on bronze bases which in
turn are seated on dark green American marble
The capitals richly decorated in gold and
form a noble termination to the shafts.
Between the corner pilasters and columns adj
f0 ara rrnn nf AqO of all fheR
Allied nations, again echoing the international
spirit of the room. In the four corners of the
room are four silk banners of royal blue upon
which are embroidered the American eagle from
the official seal of the United States. The BAN
ners are placed between the flags of the Allies
symbolically linking them together.
The Altar to the Flag is in way religious
altar in any part of its design but rather an
altar where homage can be paid to the flag. and
where people can consecrate themselves TO good
citizenship and patriotism. This is intended to
be world wide in scope, the four sides or the
altar facing north, south, east and west. The
four marble eagles at the corner of the altar
are the guardians of the shrine and the gold
stars in the blue marble field above the eagles
represent a united band of states. The top Of the
shrine is executed in brilliantly colored enam-
els, embracing the American golden eagle, the
shield of the United States, the wreath of men,
ory the palms of victory and broad gold rib
bon upon which is inscribed in blood red letters
the pledge of allegiance to the flag. On the four
sides of the altar are the following inscriptions:
On the north: "In the stars of our flag shines
the steadfastness of the stars In heaven they
light the paths of men to courage devotion and
patriotism" On the south: within this shrine
there lives the spirit of brotherhood binding
the people of the United States with the nations
of the world; on the east: "The true patriot
best supports his government by creating friend
illness through kindness and generosity wher-
ever fate may carry him.; on the west: "Valor
is needed in peace to sustain the unending war
for truth and beauty which enrich life while
they fortify against adversely" These inserip-
tons were written by Royal Cortissoz famous
art critic of New York. who also the author
of the inscriptions on the Lincoln memorial in
Washington and many other buildings OF note
At each corner of the altar and situated
the raised plinth are four marble and gold tri-
pods representing sentinels of light throwing
their luster on the apotheoss of the whole de-
sign the American flag whose dimension Is
about II by 30 feet. Above the flag Is the Star
of Destiny, large crystal star symbolizing the
guidance of the future welfare of the nation.
Looking down from the north end of the
Plaza is the James Whtcomb Riley library.
sidered one of the finest examples of Greek
architecture In this country. The south end OF
the Plaza is a beautiful square of old trees,
shrubbery, flower beds and grass. Its central
figure is the graceful De Pew memorial water
fountain. At the south side of this square stands
the Benjamin Harrison statue. In the southeast
corner is being erected statue of Abraham
Lincoln the gift of Henry Clay Long, veteran
of the Civil war. At his death in 1901. Mr. Long
left fund to provide this statue, with the roo
vision that 1t be erected In this location. In the
near future, statue of Woodrow Wilson, the
World war President. will be erected In the
southwest corner of this square. At the south
end stands the large federal building which is
to have extensive additions In the near future.
1t is hoped that before many years have elapsed,
the Plaza will be surrounded by handsome
structures such as the Scottish Rite cathedral
situated on the west side.
by Western Newspaper Union