Heritage, Volume 5, Number 2, Summer 1987 Page: 46
49 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Symbols of Strength: Cornerstones of Texas Buildings
by Williard B. Robinson
Frequently overlooked as significant
features, cornerstones
often provide information
about structures and their
builders./nmong the interesting and exressive
components of many
public buildings are cornerstones. Frequently
overlooked as significant features,
they often provide information
about structures and their builders. In
many buildings they are symbols of
strength and express the builder's pride in
accomplishment.
Customs pertaining to the symbolic use
of cornerstones date back to antiquity.
During ancient times, before construction
became a mathematical science,
they were linked to superstitions and religious
beliefs. Builders placed considerable
faith in the spiritual security provided by
signs, symbols, and ceremonies, which
they hoped would protect their works
from evil forces seeking destruction.
Buildings were manifestations of the human
mastery of invisible forces, and fear
of losing them to the action of nature
gave impetus to the inclination to seek
protection by supernatural powers.
In concept of design and location,
cornerstones generally conformed to
similar patterns throughout the state and
country. Often cut from such elegant materials
as marble, limestone, or granite,
two faces were smoothly finished or pol!
ished. A cavity was cut into the bottom
of the stone to receive a box filled with
memorabilia. The names of important
persons often were carved into the faces.
These might be people associated with
the structure's commemoration or names
of architects and contractors. Dates of
construction also were often incisedsometime
in both anno Domini and the
Masonic date, anno lucis. Symbols intended
to communicate some aspect
about the building or its use added character
to many stones.
Beyond symbolic meaning and historical
artifacts, cornerstones also display
beauty, depict building functions, and
communicate special messages. Thecornerstone of the Bell County Courthouse
in Belton, a Renaissance Revival
temple, displayed handsome lettering
within a finely carved molding. Located
on the northeast comer of the Texas State
Capitol is a block of polished granite with
a low-relief likeness of the state seal.Cornerstones also occasionally express
the ego of owners of private buildings. In
Brenham, J. D. Giddings commemorated
the erection of his classically styled house
with an engraved block; later his widow
and daughter recorded their contributions
to the house on the adjacent face of the46
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas Historical Foundation. Heritage, Volume 5, Number 2, Summer 1987, periodical, Summer 1987; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth45437/m1/46/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas Historical Foundation.