  Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 1285 Registered: 01-2006 |
I was relaxing in the park next to the downtown library with my friend Abe Lincoln last evening while reading a book. While taking a break I was admiring the library when I noticed the decorative stonework around the base of the building (around 7ft up) reveals swastikas around the building. I recognize that this was a regular part of architectural design back in the day, but this building was constructed during the rise of the nazi party in the 1930's. Just curious if there was ever any point of contention for this Detroit landmark. | ||
Hans57 Member Username: Hans57 Post Number: 317 Registered: 05-2006 |
Yes, those symbols are on many buildings of that era, but Hitler took it and reversed it. Also, see the Penobscot building about 5 floors up | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8355 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hitler ruined several things forever, that can now never be used again. The name Adolph. That Charlie Chaplin mustache. The swastika. | ||
Lowell Moderator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4965 Registered: 07-2008 |
Hitler also stole Charlie Chaplin's moustache. Chaplin took his revenge with his movie "The Great Dictator". | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 3031 Registered: 07-2004 |
Hitler: Ruining swastikas for the rest of us. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 1286 Registered: 01-2006 |
So I'm a big american history buff, but my world history lacks a bit...what part of history do we take this symbol from in american architecture, the indian/hindu or late european influence? (Message edited by detroitstar on August 22, 2008) | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 1152 Registered: 11-2003 |
Before the Nazis bastardized it, it was common from the neolithic period around the world. Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American cultures, pre-christian europe, China, and other cultures have been using it for millenia. The Nazi party intentionally chose it as propaganda in order to tie it to the beginnings of man. It originally meant good luck and prosperity. | ||
Rideron Member Username: Rideron Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2008 |
Ironically, the swastika (in blue and reversed from the German) was also the national emblem of Finland during WWII and was on their aircraft. | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 1073 Registered: 01-2005 |
The symbol has another ancient name. It is Indo-European, I gather. I found this note online on another Board: "You will find the Swastika in many places that you wouldn't always expect to find it. During the 1900's it was often found in tile work as part of the "arts and crafts" movement. When we were looking for houses in Grosse Pointe MI, a number of the homes had it in the tile work. You will also find it very prominent in the floor of the Detroit Athletic Club Grill Room, built in 1915 by Jewish architect Albert Kahn." | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 7220 Registered: 08-2004 |
Also, many ancient Roman building remains have found the reversed swastika as a pattern around the edges of colorful mosaic tile floors. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 6166 Registered: 12-2005 |
This reminds me of a story from about a year ago: Navy to Mask Swastika Look of Barracks in California. You can still see the building in Google Earth at 32°40'34"N 117°09'28"W. | ||
Craig Member Username: Craig Post Number: 988 Registered: 02-2007 |
Anyone looked at the Penobscot facade lately? | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 3539 Registered: 01-2005 |
For the record, the Hitler/Chaplin moustache is called a toothbrush moustache. Oliver Hardy had one, also. I suppose when Hitler came along with his, Hardy said, "This is ANOTHER fine mess you've gotten me in to....." | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 3034 Registered: 07-2004 |
I guess we're lucky Hitler didn't favor the bowler hat too. *fiddling with bowtie*  | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 1287 Registered: 01-2006 |
Dave Lewis, former Red Wings coach used to have a very similar stash. | ||
Wally Member Username: Wally Post Number: 533 Registered: 12-2003 |
The U.S. Army even used the swastika at one time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W estern_use_of_the_Swastika_in_ the_early_20th_century | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 3038 Registered: 07-2004 |
Also, the swastika's little sister was the fasces, which appears on lots of pre-WWII monuments, and was, in fact, on the back of the "liberty dime." Mussolini appropriated this Roman symbol for his new form of government: fascismo. American use of ancient symbols was a way of countering the mythology of the crown. Instead of symbols of the monarchy (lions, heraldry, shields), American government would reference the ancient Roman republic for its symbols. Unfortunately, lots of fascists had the same ideas. :P | ||
Rustic Member Username: Rustic Post Number: 3271 Registered: 10-2003 |
Where do turtles fit in on this? | ||
Hpgrmln Member Username: Hpgrmln Post Number: 549 Registered: 06-2007 |
If you are in an airplane, take a look down at motels. Ive seen several that were shaped similar to the swastika. Awhile back, a contractor uncovered one underneath some old flooring at the admin. building for the Walled Lake school district. They promptly got rid of it. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 333 Registered: 07-2005 |
I drove by Skillman today and it looked like a typical Greek Key pattern that is still common today. My roomate and I were discussing this and he reminded me of the name because I was looking right at the greek key pattern and wondering what this post was about. I had wall paper border with this also at one time. Maybe I didn't look in the right spot. | ||
Mortalman Member Username: Mortalman Post Number: 101 Registered: 03-2007 |
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09 /27/us/27swastika.html How does this make any sense? |
