I think , perhaps , as an old friend of mine informed me , that these types of 'medallion' units were used , @ the heights previously discussed/cussed , for hanging temporary decorative elements for festive events (aka 'decking the halls') , such as garlands , wreathes , boughs & such .
We were in his home in NYC , watching a Ken Burns DVD from the 'Civil War' series & lo & behold ... a photo popped up with a room decorated in that fashion ... one of those go-figure moments .
I didn't stay for H. Sandy & hi-tailed it back home , barely getting out of JFK before they shut it all down .