ing in four-sided
diminutions to the octagonal, open arched belfry and superstructure,
above which is a tapering pinnacle and gilt weathervane. It is a tower
of grace, dignity and repose, a tower suggestive of ecclesiastical work,
perhaps, yet withal in complete harmony with its situation and purpose.
In the base of this tower is the main entrance, a simple and dignified
pillared doorway in the mutulary Doric order with double four-panel
doors, and a magnificent Palladian window in the Ionic order above, to
which reference was made in a previous chapter. Thus three distinct
orders of architecture are used in this tower alone, presenting another
instance of the great freedom with which early American architects
utilized their favorite motives.

Entering this doorway one comes into a great, square, lofty, brick-paved
hall in the base of the tower where now reposes the Liberty Bell at the
foot of what has often been called the finest staircase in America. And
where, indeed, is to be found a more splendid combination of nicely
worked white wood trim with touches of mahogany and dark green stairs?
Done in the Ionic order, with a heavy cornice having carved modillions
and a prominent dentil course, deeply embrasured windows with paneled
jambs and broad sills supported by beautifully hand-tooled consoles, and
a nicely spaced paneled wainscot, this entrance is a fitting frame for
the broad winding staircase. Rising ramp after ramp by broad treads and
low risers, it leads first to a broad landing in front lighted by the
Palladian window over the entrance, and thence upward and around to a
gallery across the opposite wall, where a broad double doorway with
delightful fanlight above leads into the main hall of the second floor.
To the right a narrow staircase rises to the belfry. The classic
balustrade, with its mahogany-capped rail and simple landing newels is
heavy but well proportioned; the paneled wainscot along the wall follows
the contour of the ramped rail opposite, and the under side of the
landings, gallery and upper runs are nicely paneled. Elaborately carved
scroll brackets adorn the stair ends, and a harmonious floreated volute
spiral band runs along the edge of the gallery; while the pilaster
casings of the upper doorway and of the Palladian window are enriched
with straight hanging garlands. At the foot of the staircase the newel
treatment takes the scroll form of the Ionic volute, the rail and
balusters on the circu