 Jeff & Christine Rucker's Weathervane |
Author: Marci Cannon
07/13/2006
Now the residents at Hammond’s Ferry will always know which way the wind is blowing. This gorgeous weathervane was installed at 464 Arrington on the open-air carport.
What exactly is a weathervane? The weathervane actually has great history and purpose though very simple in its initial design.
According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language the weath'-er-vane is a device for indicating wind direction.
It is a tool that is on a vertical rod that has figures or ornaments and directional signs that move freely. These objects traditionally will point to the wind, thus showing the direction that the wind is coming from.
Throughout history it has had several different names: weathercock and wind vane; however, it has now become known as a weathervane. It has been a symbol of the dependence upon the wind and the weather.
Weathervanes are traditionally installed on a cupola, which adds an architectural feature. The purpose of the cupola is often for a lookout or to admit light and air. It also raises the weathervane to increase the ability of it’s functioning.
The first documented weathervane dates back to 48 BC in Athens, Greece. It flew on top of the "THE TOWER OF THE WINDS". The base of this vane is still standing.
In the colonial times the weathervane had a service and a function to help the people decide what was on the agenda for the next day. Trusting the direction of the weathervane at the end of each day they decided whether to reap, sow or play. In this time the weathervane represented a simpler way of life.
There are only two basic concepts that need be followed when designing this wind vane for it to work properly:
1.) The ornament at the top of the vane must have unequal area on either side of center.
2.) The ornament must have equal mass on either side of center.
Sources:
http://www.greensvanes.co.uk/history_of_the_weathervane.htm
http://www.denniger.com/index.htm
http://www.abirdshome.com/weathervanehistory.html