An unusual feature of the design is the so-called entasis of the sides of the tower in which they were reduced toward the top as much as eighteen inches, not in a straight line but by means of a curve which bows three inches from top to bottom. The purpose of this is not to make the sides bulge but to correct the optical illusion of pinching in and actually making the sides look straight. This was the device employed by the ancient Greeks for the same purpose in the design of their classic columns. [Illustration: The stone shafts of the Carillon are built around a steel core.] [Illustration: A mass of scaffolding was a requisite in building the Carillon.] [Illustration: Moving the bells from the freight cars which brought them to Dayton and hanging them in position were operations which called for great skill.] [Illustration: The impressive array of the 32 bells in the Carillon arranged at its base just previous to being placed in position.] The Carillon tower, built of granite, steel, and limestone, soars skyward 151 feet from the base planted on a green and friendly hill. It is a shaft of precise beauty, dramatic in its simplicity, and terminating in noble arches. Suspended from the cross-shaped intersections of the arches, in full sight from all directions and visible for miles around, is the chandelier of bells. At the base of the Carillon is the Console Room. From here an elaborate electrical system plays the bells through the touch of the operator’s fingers at the console. The actual ringing of the bells requires an unusual mechanism consisting of an electrical solenoid, delivering a blow of proper force for each size of bell. Suitable screens, designed so as not to interfere with the sound, are placed at the bottom of the mechanism so that each bell, when viewed from the ground, presents a uniform appearance, only the clapper being visible. This was the first time that such a type of construction in all its details had been followed, making possible a full, rich beauty of tone. [Illustration: The console which controls the playing of the Carillon is located in a special room within the structure.] In kinship with the spiritual fervor and idealism built into the Carillon is the impressive bronze door bearing these inspirational words by Longfellow: It was as if an earthquake rent The hearthstones of a continent, And made forlorn the households born Of peace on earth good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head There is no peace on earth I said For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth good will to men. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep God is not dead nor does He sleep, The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth good will to men.