The Cupola

The cupola top on the gazebo was originally located on top of the former City Hall at 112 South Piedmont Avenue. The building housed City Administration, the Police Department and Fire Department. During the era that City Hall was built, buildings were not air conditioned. The cupola was placed on the top center of the building in order to remove the summer heat. It consisted of vents and a 3-foot wide walkway with a railing along the outside edge. The interior consisted of circular stairs to allow access to the vents., The beginning of World War II startled the nation, as we were forced into action. Citizens were afraid of an attack or invasion. The Corp of Observers was created, as a preventive measure, to be a part of the Air Defense Force to spot aircraft. The cupola was used as an observation point in this area until the mid-1950's during the cold war., The Call Sign was: Juliet Foxtrot Three One Black, When the old City Hall building was to be demolished, full time and volunteer firemen removed the fully intact cupola. It was stored at the Fire Museum with plans to display it there. When the gazebo was built, the cupola top was chosen to be placed on top of the gazebo as a remembrance of the City's efforts in the war.