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As we pass between the columns, four panels over the entrance doors catch our attention. They represent the American pioneers.
On the far left, women harvesting, second, man hunting, third, women at domestic work and lastly, men building homes. The bronze entrance doors are heavily carved
with Indian history of the Iroquois. Tribes and also their clan names such as Turtles, Eagle, Hawk, Heron, etc. The Indian spelling of the names and other symbols are
also carved and create a lively interest.
As we walk into the vestibule, notice the four columns. They are given Indian symbols of the Four Winds. To the left front-the North Wind
represented by a "masque" which depicts thunder and storms; to the right-the South Wind represented by sunshine and happiness. The rear vestibule has the East Wind
and West Wind columns. Both sides of the columns must be viewed to read the Indian Wind words. As we stand in the main lobby, we are immediately impressed by the
height of the dome ceiling, painted in multi-colorings representative of bonnets worn by Indian chiefs. The center is representative of the Sun. The four statues, two on
each side of the entrance to the elevator corridors, are symbols of good citizenship and suitably names Virtue, Diligence, Service, and Fidelity. The keystones in the many
corridors of the main floor represent various industries around Buffalo, and a close inspection will delight the interested is concealed but due to the use of prismatic
glass in the sunburst, light is defused so as not to cast shadows.
The use of animal and bird life adorn the chambers, implying the faithfulness of the dog, courage of the lion, and the forcefulness of the hawk.
These qualifications are also expected from this AUGUST body. The spearhead protruding from a bundle of reeds tied with a ribbon is the symbol of authority. Last, but not
least, below the sunburst carved in the wall appears the legend, "The Peoples' Councilors Reflect the People's Will"
The tour continues to the Observation Tower, on the 28th floor, 331 feet above street level. It is open to the public, free of charge, from 9:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays and weekends with inside and outside open air deck offering a magnificent view of Buffalo's
Central Business District, Waterfront, and Marina Area, The Niagara River, and Canada.
Also, the Peace Bridge between Canada and the United States and the lower West Side residential neighborhoods. Also visible in the distance
to the southeast are the Boston Hills and to the northwest, Niagara Falls, about 12 miles as the crow flies.
At this time, I would like to be more specific about architecture.
The exciting scene encompasses myriad sites of the exceptional history of the development of the second city of the State of New York. You
may be a several generation Buffalonian, a new-comer, a regional resident of Western New York, or a warmly welcomed visitor but you will enjoy and be stimulated to
increased appreciation and /or pride by the many vistas of downtown, Great Lakes waterways, our friendly neighbors, Canada, and our inviting landscape. You may want
to return to this protected open-air walkway to watch the activity of the streets and waterways. Or you may want to return to see the progress of the developing exhibits
about our fascinating history and outstanding architecture unmatched any place.
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