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chandelier of such uniqueness. I don’t know what to
think as I focus on the rings of the chandelier which are
made of tiles and there looks to be swastika symbols
on them. I question this and point it out to my sister,
the receptionist over hears me and explains the true
meaning of the swastika symbol and hands me the
hotel’s brochure full of information on the history of
the hotel and the features within. This one of a kind
chandelier made of wood, copper and glazed tile is
suspended with chains and war spears adorn the top.
It has hung from decorative rafters for over 80 years.
The fixture is “teepee shaped and made of copper clad
wooden rings. These rings are decorated in authentic
Sioux patterns. The symbol resembling the swastika,
long used by Native Americans since prehistoric times
is present on the glazed tiles adorning the inside and
outside rings. The swastika is one of the most ancient of
all symbols and used as a symbol for peace, life and good
luck. It represented the revolving sun, fire or life. Lighted
copper torches are throughout the rings, providing the
primary light source for the lobby. The Sioux symbols
are through out the hotel and present on the lobby floor
tiles is the “Sacred Four Directions”. The Lakota Sioux
people believe their four sacred powers are derived from
the four directions. The north (white) is a symbol for
the “Cleansing Snow”. The east (red) is the home of the
“Morning Star”, which gives us “Daybreak Knowledge”.
The south (yellow) is the home of “Warm Winds”, which
replenishes the growth of the land. The “Thunder Being”,
at home in the west (black) gives strength and power in
time of trouble. Looking upward to the ceiling are large
wooden rafters and the Sioux designs are between the
open beams, using bright colors. These patterns are of
the traditional “box and border” design. Eight plastercast busts of Indian men hold the beams crossing the
high ceiling. I turn towards the fireplace and snap a
few shots. Looking closer I see there are some etching
in the wooden mantle. I refer to the hotel’s brochure as
to the meaning of this. The mantle is decorated with
the brands of local ranchers. The fireplace is made of
Black Hills stone and is one of three similarly designed
in the world. The huge rock chosen for the keystone
was carefully selected for its resemblance to a buffalo
head. High up on the wall on one side of the fireplace is
a large painting of Alex Johnson and on the other side
are two buffalo heads. I ask about the balcony and the
carved wooden railing and the receptionist clarifies that
that is the second floor and directs me to the stairs. The
mezzanine bannister was carefully cut and stained by
wood craftsmen. From this height you get a clear picture
of the lobby and the overall magnitude of its size and
the architecture and Lakota Sioux symbols that were so
thought out by Alex Johnson.
Alex Carlton Johnson (1861-1938), vice president of
the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, was founder
of this grand hotel that bears his name. An admirer of
Native Americans, he spoke of “a shrine and tribute
of the Sioux Indian Nation”. He was a great admirer of
the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Lakota Sioux
Tribes that called the area home. He dreamed of building
a “Showplace of the West,” a tribute to the Native
Americans and the Black Hills that surrounded him. The
structural design is a successful blend of two spirits: the
heritage of the Plain Indians and the Germanic Tudor
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