"To no one is given the right of delay. 
Noted in heaven, passeth each day. 
Be not thou fruitless, work while ye may. 
Trifling were bootless watch thou and pray."

The poem is interpreted that only God has the right to stop the sun or delay work. To Mr. Ford, unionization would give laborers the power to choose not to work, that is, to strike. Ford  felt that was morally unacceptable. 

As history has it, returning from work one spring day in 1941, Mr. Ford was met by  Mrs.  Ford  on  the 

central landing of this staircase. She threatened to leave her husband of fifty-three years if he did not support their son Edsel in his desire to recognize a union and end the labor strife at the Ford Motor Company.  The ultimatum worked. Mr. Ford  signed a contract giving the most generous settlements and benefits of all the auto companies. 

On this landing is the the Ford's grandfather clock surmounted by Father Time. Just below the clock dial glass, on the front face panel, is inscribed the phrase, "Slowly, surely, always on, regrets are vain when time is gone." This poem has an unknown author; however, it is suggestive of Mr. Ford's use of time.

The brass Belgian chandelier suspended high above the main floor was over two centuries old when the Fords purchased  it   in  1928. It  replaced   the  heavy  wooden chandelier  that is now located in the Furniture Restoration Room . 

The chandelier is inscribed with archaic Dutch blessing: 

"Lord bless this chandelier and all who work near it."