What does the big star on homes mean? (sale, live)

[JamesBoyer]

Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN

OK another dumb question from me. I have been noticing more and more of these large stars on peoples homes. What do they stand for? Does it mean they are catholic,christian,jewish,islam,astrologists. WHAT.

It is a sure sign that the owner of the home is style and decorating challenged. The star thing became widely popular in New Jersey recently when Pottery Barn started having them in their catalogue and stores 3 or 4 years ago. Now you can buy them at Wal-mart and other mass market stores.

[Jillian Mason]

Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN

OK another dumb question from me. I have been noticing more and more of these large stars on peoples homes. What do they stand for? Does it mean they are catholic,christian,jewish,islam,astrologists. WHAT.

Great question Jersey Man! My husband and I lived in PA for a while about five years ago before the star became super trendy and thought it was a cult of some sort since like 7 out of every 10 homes had them.
I'm so glad CuCullin had the history on that and that we're not crazy thinking something is up with all the stars. I must say I do like the star craze though and amen to good fortune!

[JERSEY MAN]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who did not know what the dealio was with these stars. They are on every block now. I thought it was a religious thing. Well now I guess I confirmed that I am a dummy in front of 400,000 registered users. Well at least I didn't enter my photo so when someone sees me in Home Depot that they will laugh at me.

[Foreverking]

did I mention that its the Texas lone star...pretty sure

[HalfFull]

Originally Posted by Foreverking

did I mention that its the Texas lone star...pretty sure

Ummm, so the Texas lonestar is the only recorded use of a 5-pointed star???? C'mon, weren't you the one that said earlier "correct me if I'm wrong"? I think CuCullin and others have given clear support for the history of these decorations.

[lov403]

it's been around for a while, in the 90's i worked in retail and it was a very big trend, esp. when Ralph Lauren did a huge campaign for his line. it was know back then as "Americana" fashions/ home decor. as with most things in fashion, at some point it will all come back around.

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by Foreverking

did I mention that its the Texas lone star...pretty sure

NO.

It is not.







Wow.

[JerseyG]

Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN

OK another dumb question from me. I have been noticing more and more of these large stars on peoples homes. What do they stand for? Does it mean they are catholic,christian,jewish,islam,astrologists. WHAT.

Where have you been, JM?

It's decoration. You can buy one anywhere. Which is why I don't have one.

[solibs]

I saw this for the first time yesterday in Merchantville. Two houses right next to each other had them. Lame. They look like big versions of "star bolts" that so many historic homes in the city have.

Those stars are meant to brace the facade. Since facades of rowhomes are not load-bearing they are normally free-standing and have a tendency to "distance" themselves from the house after 150 years or so. The bolts are anchored by the star on one end and are connected via long steel rods to plates that use the floor joists as anchors.

I have a feeling that the original purpose of a "barn star" is much the same.

[ranran19701]

solibs is exactly correct:
On older brick and stone houses, usually in the East, the sides of the buildings begin to bow out from the weight. Engineers run a big steel rod through the house (usually one in the attic and one in the basement) which is threaded on each end. Then they place a big steel plate on each end and secure it with nuts on each end as well. Many old buildings around the Mid-Atlantic have them, especially barns.
Then some person decided that the steel plate could be cut as a design, like a star, or a moon, or the Sun, and they started having stars on the old buildings. They were initially structural and they have evolved into a decoration, which is rather stupid if you consider their origin.