Friday, January 29, 2021

THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL

I have been busy going through our ornaments and have packed them away for next year.  There was one of the United States Capitol.   I bought it several years ago when we took a relative who was visiting at the time.  


I felt the need to share it today.  This isn’t meant to be anything political.  Like many of us, no matter which camp we pitch our tent in, what happened there a few weeks ago saddened me greatly. 


I hold it sacred having been there many times during my married life, and each time learning more of its history.  


I thought I would share some of that history of how the Dome came to be.  The following is printed on the back of the box.  

“The United States Capitol Dome may be the most famous building in the nation. It is a fitting adornment for the building it crowns, so familiar and dignified, that it seems surprising that its design and construction came late in the Capitol’s architectural evolution. On December 16th, 1854, Architect of the Capitol Extension, Thomas U. Walter, hung in his office a drawing of the Capitol as it would appear once the extensions were finished, but without the existing wooden copper-covered Bulfinch dome.  Instead the drawing showed a new much larger cast-iron dome with columns, pilasters, brackets, scores of windows and a crowning statue. While it was only a suggestion of what a new dome might look like, the drawing caused an immediate sensation among congressmen and senators who visited office.  Within 10 weeks, without committee hearings and after little debate, the House of Representatives appropriated $100,000 to begin construction of a new Capitol Dome.  The Senate agreed a few days later, and President Franklin Pierce signed the legislation on March 3rd, 1855.

The marble used for this ornament was taken from the steps to the wing occupied by the House of Representatives.  From 1865, when they were installed, until 1995, more than 9,000 members of Congress trod these east front steps, leaving footprints of history. Having become dangerously worn and uneven, the steps were removed in 1995, and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society has been permitted to use a portion of the removed marble, which is crushed to a fine powder and combined with resin, to create this memento. 

Congress chartered The United States Capitol Society to educate the public about the nation’s history of the Capitol and Congress.  The funds from this purchase support educational programs as scholarly seminars and publications.  Your purchase also allows the Society to acquire and donate items to the collection of Capitol art, artifacts and historical documents.  Your membership in and patronage of the Society is appreciated.”

I had forgotten about the little piece of the Capitol hanging on our tree, and I feel blessed to have it there.  

Thank you for stopping by.  I wish you all peace and a very happy and healthy weekend and week ahead. 






38 comments:

  1. Thank you for the brief history lesson. That is a lovely ornament, packed with meaning.

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    1. You are very welcome EC, it is a treasure, as is the building itself, a national treasure.

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  2. That is such a beautiful ornament and I love that the old steps were used in making them, that really makes it special. I still can't believe what happened there a few weeks ago, what a sad day for our country.

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    1. Thank you Martha and yes it is hard to believe what happened, a very sad day indeed.

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  3. it is beautiful and so very sad that they will have to build a wall around it to protect our govt.

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  4. Yes. Sad. Two camps: Real lovers of America VS dangerous seditious haters & fools. there. I said it.

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    1. I am having a hard time understanding. What happened that day is incomprehensible. Just hoping that gigantic divide will lessen, for people to start listening and once again show respect and kindness for each other. Always living in hope!

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  5. That is a very nice ornament.

    All the best Jan

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  6. Lovely memories, let us continue to hold it sacred.

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  7. Thanks Denise for sharing the story of not only the Capitol dome's history, but also of the Christmas ornament.

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  8. Our country's history is important to us and the Washington buldings are really monuments to those who went before us.

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  9. That's interesting. Do like the ornaments and I have one somewhere which I'd forgotten about, a friend sent it to me a long time ago.

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    1. That's wonderful Margaret. If you ever find it I would love to see a photo.

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  10. Hello Denise,

    It is a beautiful ornament. I think the domestic terrorist attack on our Capitol on Jan 6th will be a day I will never forget, just like Sept 11th. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

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  11. Hi Denise,
    A short but interesting history of the Capitol, of which you have some in your home, and I'm sure the world was saddened with the happenings.
    You stay safe,
    John

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    1. I am happy you found it so John and thank you, you stay safe also :)

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  12. A very timely post. I too am sad especially as we find out that some of the people had actually planned the breach.

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  13. I was in D. C. twice. One time I spent an entire summer there with my sister, who worked for a Senator from our state. It was an incredible time, and I'd do all again in a heart beat. USA is still the best.

    Enjoyed this post immensely Denise.

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    1. That must have been a wonderful experience Anni, for you and for your sister. A cousin of hubby's got us an invite to meet the senator from their state and is was a memorable experience, several years ago now. This is a great country.

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  14. an interesting bit of history, much of which i did not know even after being there so many times. when we visit washington, i have always felt a deep honor and respect to be there. it is a beautiful ornament!

    i am sure you are missing your little trips, chuck and i are as well!!

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    1. Hi Debbie, thank you. One day we will be back to traveling, and I include you and Chuck in that statement :)

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