Sash windows are the familiar ones that consist of one or move panels of glass panes separated by narrow strips of wood. This type of window has been used since Georgian times in England and all of the regions of the world influenced by its empirical expansion.
It is believed that an English scientist, inventor, and architect named Robert Hooke invented the window after the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of London. He was named official surveyor and assigned the task of rebuilding the principal buildings, along with Christopher Wren, another renowned architect also important in colonial America.
Many grew up with sashes, both in their homes and in the stories that regaled them during childhood. Remember that the father 'throws up the sash' when he hears St. Nick and the reindeer outside on the 'Night Before Christmas'. Any of us who lived in old houses may remember keeping them propped open with sticks when the inner weights and cords were defective. There were also windows that had not been opened in living memory, since they had been painted so often they were sealed shut.
Think of all the scenes in movies when a sneaky burglar silently raises an unlocked window to creep inside, or how many times you yourself have gotten in when you have misplaced the key to the front door. How about the suspense or comedy shows when a window is shut just before the eavesdropping hero or heroine hears the vital clue?
Consider the tradition of leaving a pie on the sill to cool before dinner, a fact well known to hungry boys or tramps. And how could romance function without rocks being tossed at upper windows and the sash being raised to give one more rendition of the balcony scene from 'Romeo and Juliet'. Many a love affair has been furthered by a serenade underneath one of these useful openings.
Of course, reality is that it is easy to keep intruders out and that not every young lady is susceptible to visits after hours. However, romance is also served when lacy curtains flutter in the breeze coming through a half-open window or a graceful bird swoops in and out again. The sound of children playing or birds singing can come sweetly through an open window and is an important part of summertime memories.
Changes in sash windows have been mainly in security features and in the number of moving panels. The essence of the design has not changed in over three hundred and fifty years. Pretty cool.
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