Moments in History Tour - Floor Two
Exit the elevator on floor two and step in to the executive lobby outside of the Governor’s Office.
Chrysler Strike (April, 1937)
Compare this photo to your surroundings, you will recognize the Michigan Chandelier overhead, the elevator to the right, and entrance to the Governor's Receiving Hall in the background.
This photo gives us a glimpse into April 7, 1937, as strikers from Chrysler Automotive and Michigan local unions gathered outside Governor Frank Murphy's office. Inside the office were Gov. Murphy, CIO President John L. Lewis and UAW President Walter P. Reuther, negotiating with Chrysler mediators on labor representation for auto workers.
Negotiations ended in recognition of the United Automobile Workers of America as the collective bargaining agency of Chrysler employees. This photo was taken as the agreement was announced.
Head toward the Rotunda and round the corner to the right to the north corridor outside the House Chamber Floor.
Overfloors (1969-1989)
Beginning the 1930s, Capitol workers began building "overfloors" to meet space needs. These were often cramped attic-like spaces designed to meet the growing space needs in the Capitol. This practice carried well into the 1970s, nearly doubling the square footage in the building and its capacity. This solution saved a Capitol destined for demolition in the 1960s by packing as many people into offices under the dome as possible. For the most part, the overfloors were kept behind office walls and visitors may not have known what lied beyond the still-towering corridors. The notable public overfloor was located off the House Chamber Floor, as shown in the photo below.
This overfloor created a vestibule to the House Floor with a desk for House Sergeants at Arms flanked by the still-present iron columns. The seal of the House of Representatives was painted on the front of the overfloor. Office space in the overfloor and adjacent overfloors was accessed by a door added to the north stair landing between the second and third floor.
This overfloor, and all others in the building, were removed during the award-winning 1987-1992 Capitol Restoration.
From the House lobby, take the north elevator or stairs to floor three.
