Dodds Showroom
The Dodds Monuments Co., building has a very storied past. The structure's wood framing was brought by train car from buildings which were in the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The limestone Blocks came from southern Indiana and the granite columns are from Scotland.
As the building grows closer to its 100th anniversary, (1905-2005), owner Eric Fogarty decided to have that large showroom completely remodeled. Through a generous offer from James Bolenbaugh, Dodds acquired six beautiful stained glass windows. The windows were made in Munich, Germany in 1913 by the F.X. Zetter Company. They were installed in a chapel which was torn down in 1977 on the site which is better known as the Bergamo Center in Beavercreek.
The glass windows were made the focal point of Dodds new showroom which is open for the public to see during normal business hours. "We are very proud that we were able to preserve the incredible craftsmanship in these stunning windows", say Fogarty, "I hope that the public will take the opportunity to stop by and appreciate their beauty as well as their history".
(Click on any thumbnail to view larger size)
This
particular part of one stained glass window was an inspiration for designing the
memorial for Wayne and Arlene McFall of Kettering, OH. They had chosen a
dark black granite on which they want angels etched. After seeing these
windows, they asked if they could have a part of a particular one etched.
Artist Dan Hafer rose to the challenge, and when he was finished the design was
absolutely stunning and highlighted with gold and white gold leafing.
Click on the link below to see the making of the McFall memorial.