Thermopolis-swastika's on building? (assessor, assess, architecture)

[Poletop]

This is what I could find out about this building


509 Broadway (Our Own Hardware) - CONTRIBUTING


Constructed in 1917, this was the first of several in the Thermopolis historic district constructed by Charles Smith, a local bricklayer. The first floor was the post office from1917-1925 and the second floor served as county courtroom in 1937-39. This area was also used for community dances in the 1920's and 1930's. It is a twostory structure with a variety of decorative brickwork. There is a flat diamond brick pattern of colored brick which appears to be "woven" into the parapet and set apart by a brick "frame." Lentils above the second story windows are set off by stone diamonds and squares. There is also a stone frieze with brick patterns between the parapet windows. The first floor has a modern sign and windows.

[Ct_bow]

Thanks poletop

[CptnRn]

I found this in a google search Thermopolis, Wyoming: Broadway Street businesses

The swastika, as it is used on the facade of the above (Four-Winds) building, has nothing to do with the Nazi Party. For a history of this symbol, click here.

Painted Bricks: One you definately do not see anymore, brickwork, Thermopolis Wyoming

This is not as sinister as it might seem. Swastikas showed up as ornamental designs in quite a few things prior to World War Two, and they bore no association at all with the Nazi Party. In the west, they were associated with Indians, and were regarded as an Indian good luck symbol. Chances are that the architect of this Thermopolis, Wyoming building had that in mind, as Thermopolis is not far from the Wind River Reservation.

[mjnyc]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

The swastika has been used in many cultures for centuries. It was simply adopted as a symbol by the Nazi Party.

True, but nevertheless it will carry that sinister association for a long time to come.

[branDcalf]

It's original intent was as the commonly used symbol for luck if you'll notice that many are right-facing. Someone just got a little creative with the pattern. They probably didn't check the internet before construction!

[shadowwalker]

I forget the exact reason of the swastika, but I have seen them all over this state and in others. Here if memory is correct, mostly on chimneys is where I have noticed it in, Crowley if I remember. I know they are in Riverton, Casper, Rawlings, Powell, Cheyenne as these were pointed out many years ago to me in those cities. Again my memory says on the chimneys of houses. The most recent I noticed was the area of my mothers neighborhood in Pampa, Texas.

[Mayormikem]

As the building was constructed long before the formation of the nazi party, it is save to assume the historical symbolism associated with the building and the swastika symbols of good luck. While there has been discussion about removal of the symbols, concern has always returned to the historical significance of the building and a time when that symbol was not associated with the evil man and ideology that absconded it. The building is privately owned, and as a democratic government, at least in Thermopolis, we will not dictate to them what should be done, if anything.

Personally, if I were the owner in the 1940s, I might have considered something, or in the 50s when we knew even more details of the atrocities and the building wasn't as old. But I wasn't born yet, so I don't know squat about what they were facing then.

I could get political and talk about AntiFa and how we would defend our citizens, or they could buy the building and peacefully remove the symbols and then please move. But I won't. (I'm a politician so of course I had to lie at the end.)

[Tyster]

The swastikas on that building (which I have personally been to) are likely a tip of the hat to the local Native Americans. The NA's used it as a good luck symbol for centuries, long before Hitler and his band of retarded killers.

[GregW]

As Henry Standing Bear would say, "It is what it is."

[Ltdumbear]

I would'nt worry about it until someone (or a 'bunch' of someone's) start coming at me with guns and or bladed weapons...


...and then THEY will be worrying about whether or not they're making a mistake, coming at me.


Well-trained reflexes die hard, as do those who test them.