The
Temple’s intricate concrete ornamentation was trusted
to John Earley, a pioneer in the use of architectural
concrete. His staff at the Earley Studio in Rosslyn,
Virginia, created panels of ornamentation and shipped
them by rail to Wilmette, a 700-mile journey. The
panels were hoisted by crane onto the superstructure
dome. Ornamentation of the dome and ribs was complete
by March 1934, earning the admiration of attendees
at Chicago’s Century of Progress Exhibition. Use
of the Temple’s image in the postage cancellation
stamp created for Wilmette’s observance of National
Air Mail Week in May 1938 further enhanced its fame.
By January 1943, the exterior ornamentation, including
the 18 steps circling the Temple, was complete.
