While gardening, this woman happened upon some rusted metal things.
She wasn’t sure what they could have been used for at first, but everything made sense when she realized what they were!
Find out more about these enigmatic objects by reading on!
“I was planting when I discovered a number of these, but I had no idea what they were. I’ve removed all of the metal that I
Many online users responded to the woman’s social media post with a photograph of the odd objects, offering their opinions in the comments area.
It turns out that they look like old-fashioned window weights!
For those who are unaware, vintage window weights are those bulky metal objects that are sometimes concealed behind the frames of windows from earlier eras. They made those windows open and close smoothly, which is why they were so important back then.
However, how do they function? You enquire. The weights are suspended inside pockets or channels that are present in the window frame. Usually constructed of cast iron, they were fastened to cords or ropes that, via pulleys, connect to the window sashes. These weights descended as the window was opened, distributing the sashes’ weight and facilitating up-and-down movement.
Antique window weights were very popular in homes constructed before the advent of sophisticated modern window technology; older homes from the 1800s and early 1900s were most likely equipped with these bad boys.
However, when window technology advanced over time, these antiquated weights became unfashionable. Contemporary windows incorporate advanced materials for security and insulation, as well as counterbalance springs. They’re also much simpler to maintain!
Vintage window weights still have a wonderful retro vibe, even though they’re not as fashionable as they once were. Some people who enjoy renovating historic homes want to keep them standing in order to preserve their classic charm.
To put it briefly, old-fashioned windows needed vintage window weights in order to function properly. Even if they’re less prevalent now, they’re still a great way to remember the quality of craftsmanship in the past.
Thus, if you are ever in an ancient house with old-fashioned windows, stop and admire the silent operation of those handy window weights!
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
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