The Smith Tower & Hitler

Two blocks from where I live is the Smith Tower. Named after the typewriter Smith, whose family was also into gun manufacturing, it was built in 1914. In fact, its 94th birthday is tomorrow. At the time it was completed it was the 6th tallest building in the world, and the tallest west of the Mississippi. I just want to call attention to a detail of its ornamentation. First let's see it as it appears from the park next to the King County Courthouse. The upper edge of the south side of the Morrison is at lower right.

Next, let's get closer to the top of the lower section of the building. See the frieze just below the top?

Oh my God! Interlocking swastikas! Seattle's beloved iconic landmark has a Nazi design!