Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Star

What is this metal star and what is its purpose?
This star and several others are located on the exterior of the old Selma Marble and Granite building. They were made in Selma a long time ago.

Hint: It's not a Christmas decoration!

Congratulations to Dan of McKinney, Texas, Daily Photo! He got the answer, which can be found here.
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12 comments:

  1. AnnieFebruary 21, 2008 at 4:02 PM

    (scratching my head here) . . . does this have something to do with the Civil War?

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  2. DanFebruary 21, 2008 at 4:04 PM

    I think these are decorative caps to bolts that secure metal reinforcing bars to the wall.

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  3. JanetFebruary 21, 2008 at 4:06 PM

    Hi Annie,
    That's a good thought, but this star doesn't have anything to do with the Civil War. However, the building where it was manufactured is believed to have been built shortly after the Civil War. Some say the building may even have been left standing after the Battle of Selma, but so far, that hasn't been documented.

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  4. JanetFebruary 21, 2008 at 4:17 PM

    Well, Dan, you are right! How'd you know that? It's a decorative star anchor used as a tie-rod to help secure the building. A rod attaches to the anchor to stabilize the walls, especially in brick buildings that have high walls. This anchor was made at what is now known as The Foundry. The wooden pattern for it is on display at the Old Depot Museum.
    I had to consult the museum curators and local architectural historians for help on this one!

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  5. marleyFebruary 21, 2008 at 5:39 PM

    Nice addition to a plain old wall. I knew the answer too, honest I did! :)

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  6. Jim KlenkeFebruary 21, 2008 at 7:45 PM

    I see quite a few of those on the old buildings in Terrell.

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  7. Southern HeartFebruary 21, 2008 at 9:18 PM

    Dan's a smart guy! :) And, I think the star is a very pretty accent, too.

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  8. J. Andrew LockhartFebruary 21, 2008 at 9:41 PM

    We have a building on main street here that have some of those, too. I have no Idea why and don't know if anyone else knows...

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  9. AnnieFebruary 22, 2008 at 6:47 AM

    Thanks for the comment, Rambling. It's lovely to see this star and to know that it is both functional and pretty. Thanks for the lesson.

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  10. Troop 1309February 23, 2008 at 10:15 PM

    Great photo, I never would have guessed the star's purpose!

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  11. smilnsighFebruary 24, 2008 at 7:57 PM

    What an interesting item. I'd not have known.

    And the bricks make a lovely part of the photo, too.

    Mari-Nanci

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  12. selma.ghost.catFebruary 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM

    very cool. love these little things around town.

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