Inscribed by paternal grandmother, 9-26-66

This work contains art-illustrated essays by Lonnelle Aikman: "The Meaning of the Capitol" provides a history of the domed and columned citadel and depicted events surrounding the symbols which pervade it. "A Building and a Nation Grow" provides details of its construction, noting that Washington laid the cornerstone in 1793 wearing his Masonic apparel. His gavel and trowel are still used in stone-setting ceremonies.

The middle section is "Exploring Today's Capitol", providing descriptions and pictures of the buildings and sculpture in the capitol surround. The Dome's "Apotheosis of Washington" is livid, and curious -- no "God", or angels are present. Washington sits between two winged women -- apple-cheeked "Liberty" and a trumpet-playing laurel-wreathed "Victory". The inner circle is completed by 13 more or less dancing forms--all beautiful women-- representing the original "States" forming the Union. [73]

Concludes with a short essay, "The Capitol at Work" -- showing the rooms of the Capitol during the Johnson administration.

2/18/23