Posted by Bob Read on September 29, 2000 at 16:04:11:
I read a post by Loren Perry on another site and I thought I'd post something that I think has caused some confusion. On the Grand Staircase Cover there are rectangular windows except in the
very center. I don't think this round dark object in the center is a window. In the center of the dome was a suspended chandelier which I would assume was rather heavy. What I think we are seeing is a round bronze anchor plate for the chandelier. They would have wanted a metal that would not corrode so that's why I would speculate that it was bronze. It appears dark because of
oxidation. At least that's my theory. If that's not right then why make one round window which
can't be seen from below?
Regards,
Bob Read