Christmas at Batsto

[stiltzkin]

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.

Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy Holidays to all.

 

[imkms]

Nice pix! I’ve never been inside, but your pictures make it worth a trip.

 

[stiltzkin]

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?

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.

 

[Boyd]

Maybe a stylized Masonic symbol (compass)?

Behind the Masonic Symbols: The Square and Compasses - Freemasonry

Explore the symbolism and meaning behind one of the most well-known symbols of Freemasonry: the Square and Compasses.

www.freemason.com

 

[stiltzkin]

Maybe a stylized Masonic symbol (compass)?

Behind the Masonic Symbols: The Square and Compasses - Freemasonry

Explore the symbolism and meaning behind one of the most well-known symbols of Freemasonry: the Square and Compasses.

www.freemason.com

This was my first thought as well, but our guide ruled this out right away by pointing out that Wharton, a Quaker, wouldn't have had anything to do with the Freemasons.

 

[Boyd]

Maybe one of the carpenters was trolling him and he didn't notice?

 

[Gibby]

The detail on the newel is a Victorian or Italianate interpretation of a steam hammer from the time period?

 

[stiltzkin]

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.