Christmas at Batsto

stiltzkin

Explorer
Feb 8, 2022
540
807
Medford
A few photos from inside the mansion done up for the season. I had never been inside at night before. It was a really excellent tour, with a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.

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Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy Holidays to all.
 

stiltzkin

Explorer
Feb 8, 2022
540
807
Medford
Here is a question that came up after the tour, but did not have a satisfactory answer: is there some significance to this design on the staircase newel post?

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I think this would date from the Sloan & Balderston remodel of the house done at the beginning of the Wharton era in approximately 1878, which added the staircase. I assume it's something that Joseph Wharton, a man of particular tastes, specified for the design.

It could just be a simple geometric decoration, but I thought it looked pretty specific. It somewhat resembles a square and set of compasses, or maybe a tower or pylon. Would be interested to know more.
 

stiltzkin

Explorer
Feb 8, 2022
540
807
Medford

stiltzkin

Explorer
Feb 8, 2022
540
807
Medford
The detail on the newel is a Victorian or Italianate interpretation of a steam hammer from the time period?

Interesting! I really like this explanation. It does look like a stylized steam hammer, and steam hammers were one of the products of the Bethlehem Steel company which Wharton co-founded. I think it fits.
 
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