Bragdon Arch: Difference between revisions
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The '''Bragdon Arch''' is an architectural feature of the [[Olcott (campus)|headquarters estate]] of the [[Theosophical Society in America]], standing at the main entrance. Theosophist [[Claude Bragdon]] designed the arch, and it was installed in 1940. | [[File:Gateway arch 1.jpg|360px|right|thumb|Bragdon Arch]] | ||
The '''Bragdon Arch''' is an architectural feature of the [[Olcott (campus)|headquarters estate]] of the [[Theosophical Society in America]], standing at the main entrance at 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Theosophist [[Claude Bragdon]] designed the arch, and it was installed in 1940. | |||
[[File:Arch Dedication speech.jpg|right|200px|thumb|L. W Rogers speaking]] | |||
[[File:Arch Dedication Procession.jpg|right|thumb|Procession]] | |||
== 1940 dedication of arch == | == 1940 dedication of arch == | ||
At the summer convention in 1940, a new structure was unveiled for members in a [[Co-Freemasonry|Co-Masonic]] dedication ceremony. An ''' | At the summer convention in 1940, a new structure was unveiled for members in a [[Co-Freemasonry|Co-Masonic]] dedication ceremony. An '''arch''' was installed at the Main Street entrance to the campus. It was designed by Theosophist [[Claude Bragdon]], an architect, artist, writer, and editor from New York. The cost of the project was underwritten anonymously by a member from Portland, Oregon, soon acknowledged to be John H. Mason. | ||
[[File:Entrance_Arch_Dedication.jpg|center|500px|thumb|Dedication ceremony]] | |||
In describing event of the convention, H. Douglas Wild made this colorful reference to the dedication ceremony: | |||
<blockquote> | |||
No cluster of Convention glimpses could do without the afternoon sunlight, the brighly colored, yet solemn Masonic pageantry, and the inspired address of [[L. W. Rogers|Mr. L. W. Rogers]], which made the dedication of the stately and beautiful new entrance arch to the Headquarters grounds, the genrous donation of Mr. J. H. Mason, of Portland, Oregon. The archway itself, designed by Mr Claude Bragdon, is a thing deeply satisfying to see and to pass under, and those who do so enter a domain of mystery guarded by winged powers.<ref>H. Douglas Wild, "Impressions of Convention - 1940" ''The American Theosophist'' 38 no.8 (August 1940): 175.</ref> | |||
</blockquote> | |||
In 1942, then-President [[Sidney A. Cook]] wrote: | In 1942, then-President [[Sidney A. Cook]] wrote: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
As I look out my office window a car stops at our gateway, as cars often do, while its occupants read the bronze plaques on its pillars, moving from the one to the other to read the whole of the statements they contain as to the founding, the Founders and the principles. The car passes on, but our Headquarters has made its impression; the breadth and dignity of our principles have sown seed.<ref>S.A.C.[Sidney A. Cook], "Our Gateway," ''The American Theosophist 30.3 (March, 1942) | As I look out my office window a car stops at our gateway, as cars often do, while its occupants read the bronze plaques on its pillars, moving from the one to the other to read the whole of the statements they contain as to the founding, the Founders and the principles. The car passes on, but our Headquarters has made its impression; the breadth and dignity of our principles have sown seed.<ref>S.A.C. [Sidney A. Cook], "Our Gateway," ''The American Theosophist'' 30 no.3 (March, 1942): 70.</ref> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
[[File:Postcard of arch dedication.jpeg|center|400px|thumb|Arch ceremony viewed from east]] | |||
File: | [[File:Entrance_Arch_1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Blueprint]] | ||
== Design == | == Design == | ||
Bragdon followed principles of '''sacred geometry''' in designing the arch. This blueprint shows some of his concepts. The proportions of the structure are emphasized in the '''equilateral triangle''' he drew over the design. The triangle has its lower points at the outer bases of the piers, and its top corresponds to the highest point element of the arch. Platonic solids | Bragdon followed principles of '''sacred geometry''' in designing the arch. This blueprint shows some of his concepts. The proportions of the structure are emphasized in the '''equilateral triangle''' he drew over the design. The triangle has its lower points at the outer bases of the piers, and its top corresponds to the highest point element of the arch. | ||
[[File:Arch lamp.jpg|left|190px|thumb|Close-up of lamp]] | |||
Two stone and brick support piers are topped by carved Platonic solids. An '''icosahedron''' is mounted above the carved "T" at the left (south) pier, and a '''dodecahedron''' above the "S" at the right (north). This decision was somewhat controversial to some members of the Theosophical Society, who preferred perfect symmetry in the design. Between the piers is a wrought iron arch with the name of the Theosophical Society in America and the [[Theosophical Seal|Society's emblem]] in the center. The lighted lantern hanging underneath was removed sometime before 1987, due to the increasing height of vehicles that had to pass through the arch. | |||
A bronze plaque on the left pier was designed to provide a brief history of the international Theosphical Society, along with the [[Objects of the Theosophical Society]], and a list of the international TS presidents through [[George S. Arundale]]. The plaque on the right covers the history of the Theosophical Society in America, headed by the term "Olcott" that has been the name of the headquarters estate since the early 1930s. This nickname pays respect to one of the [[Founders]] of the Theosoophical Society, [[Henry Steel Olcott]]. Here is how the plaques looked in 2008: | |||
{|style="margin: 0 auto;" | |||
| [[File:Arch south pier plaque.jpg | 365px ]] [[File:Arch north pier plaque.jpg | 365px ]] | |||
|} | |||
Materials selected to execute the design were coordinated with the rose-colored bricks and Bedford limestone of the [[L. W. Rogers Building|headquarters building]]. The arch was of cast iron, bearing the name "Theosophical Society in America," with a lighted Theosophical Society emblem in the middle. | Materials selected to execute the design were coordinated with the rose-colored bricks and Bedford limestone of the [[L. W. Rogers Building|headquarters building]]. The arch was of cast iron, bearing the name "Theosophical Society in America," with a lighted [[Theosophical Seal|Theosophical Society emblem]] in the middle. | ||
== 1989 relocation of arch == | == 1989 relocation of arch == | ||
In 1989, the arch was relocated to accommodate turn lanes for the Willows of Wheaton and Wheaton Eye Clinic. This was a complex project, involving sewer and electrical lines, and the removal and replacement of asphalt and concrete pavements. Several large trees were relocated. The arch was dismantled and rebuilt. John Abbenhouse, husband of Theosophical Society president [[Dorothy Abbenhouse]], took dozens of photos: | |||
<gallery widths="130px" heights="150px" perrow="5"> | <gallery widths="130px" heights="150px" perrow="5"> | ||
File:1-JAH 1 024.jpg | File:1-JAH 1 024.jpg | ||
| Line 42: | Line 50: | ||
File:9-JA 2 013.jpg | File:9-JA 2 013.jpg | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
[[File:Arch words.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Arch in 2014 by Michael Conlin]] | |||
== National Register of Historic Places == | |||
When the [[L. W. Rogers Building]], became listed on the '''[https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm#table National Register of Historic Places]''' in 2025, the arch was mentioned as a structure contributing to the site's architectural significance. | |||
== Popular culture reference == | |||
In 2016, the Bragdon Arch was established within the mobile game '''Pokémon Go''' as a gymnasium, which is a hub of activity for players who have reached a certain level. During the initial craze for this game, foot traffic around the arch increased significantly. | |||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
</ | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Art works|Bragdon Arch]] | [[Category:Art works|Bragdon Arch]] | ||
[[Category:Places|Bragdon Arch]] | [[Category:Places|Bragdon Arch]] | ||
[[Category:TS Adyar|Bragdon Arch]] | [[Category:TS Adyar|Bragdon Arch]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:56, 1 June 2026
The Bragdon Arch is an architectural feature of the headquarters estate of the Theosophical Society in America, standing at the main entrance at 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Theosophist Claude Bragdon designed the arch, and it was installed in 1940.
1940 dedication of arch
At the summer convention in 1940, a new structure was unveiled for members in a Co-Masonic dedication ceremony. An arch was installed at the Main Street entrance to the campus. It was designed by Theosophist Claude Bragdon, an architect, artist, writer, and editor from New York. The cost of the project was underwritten anonymously by a member from Portland, Oregon, soon acknowledged to be John H. Mason.
In describing event of the convention, H. Douglas Wild made this colorful reference to the dedication ceremony:
No cluster of Convention glimpses could do without the afternoon sunlight, the brighly colored, yet solemn Masonic pageantry, and the inspired address of Mr. L. W. Rogers, which made the dedication of the stately and beautiful new entrance arch to the Headquarters grounds, the genrous donation of Mr. J. H. Mason, of Portland, Oregon. The archway itself, designed by Mr Claude Bragdon, is a thing deeply satisfying to see and to pass under, and those who do so enter a domain of mystery guarded by winged powers.[1]
In 1942, then-President Sidney A. Cook wrote:
As I look out my office window a car stops at our gateway, as cars often do, while its occupants read the bronze plaques on its pillars, moving from the one to the other to read the whole of the statements they contain as to the founding, the Founders and the principles. The car passes on, but our Headquarters has made its impression; the breadth and dignity of our principles have sown seed.[2]
Design
Bragdon followed principles of sacred geometry in designing the arch. This blueprint shows some of his concepts. The proportions of the structure are emphasized in the equilateral triangle he drew over the design. The triangle has its lower points at the outer bases of the piers, and its top corresponds to the highest point element of the arch.
Two stone and brick support piers are topped by carved Platonic solids. An icosahedron is mounted above the carved "T" at the left (south) pier, and a dodecahedron above the "S" at the right (north). This decision was somewhat controversial to some members of the Theosophical Society, who preferred perfect symmetry in the design. Between the piers is a wrought iron arch with the name of the Theosophical Society in America and the Society's emblem in the center. The lighted lantern hanging underneath was removed sometime before 1987, due to the increasing height of vehicles that had to pass through the arch.
A bronze plaque on the left pier was designed to provide a brief history of the international Theosphical Society, along with the Objects of the Theosophical Society, and a list of the international TS presidents through George S. Arundale. The plaque on the right covers the history of the Theosophical Society in America, headed by the term "Olcott" that has been the name of the headquarters estate since the early 1930s. This nickname pays respect to one of the Founders of the Theosoophical Society, Henry Steel Olcott. Here is how the plaques looked in 2008:
 
|
Materials selected to execute the design were coordinated with the rose-colored bricks and Bedford limestone of the headquarters building. The arch was of cast iron, bearing the name "Theosophical Society in America," with a lighted Theosophical Society emblem in the middle.
1989 relocation of arch
In 1989, the arch was relocated to accommodate turn lanes for the Willows of Wheaton and Wheaton Eye Clinic. This was a complex project, involving sewer and electrical lines, and the removal and replacement of asphalt and concrete pavements. Several large trees were relocated. The arch was dismantled and rebuilt. John Abbenhouse, husband of Theosophical Society president Dorothy Abbenhouse, took dozens of photos:
National Register of Historic Places
When the L. W. Rogers Building, became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2025, the arch was mentioned as a structure contributing to the site's architectural significance.
Popular culture reference
In 2016, the Bragdon Arch was established within the mobile game Pokémon Go as a gymnasium, which is a hub of activity for players who have reached a certain level. During the initial craze for this game, foot traffic around the arch increased significantly.
