By Chris Komenda, Marketing Manager, Woodmeister Master Builders
November 15, 2011 in Millwork, Building Trends, Custom Building, General
When you embark on a remodeling or new construction project it is often the little details that make a difference. Customizing your home with personalized touches and whimsical features, not only add striking spots of beauty but also make for very interesting conversations!
Take for example the mortgage button. Long known as a Nantucket tradition, this little scrimshaw button was mounted atop a stairway’s newel post as a symbol the mortgage was paid off and there were no liens on the property.
Legend also states the actual deed was ceremoniously burned and the ashes put inside the drilled out newel post and sealed with the button. Since no evidence of ashes or even hidden mortgages have been found in salvaged newel posts, the actual burning may really turn out to be a myth. But the buttons survive today and remind us of a nostalgic tradition from the past.
Even if you don’t own a home on Nantucket, you still can add these decorative buttons to your custom stair project. Each mortgage button is distinctly different and can be carved on ancient elephant ivory, whalebone, and even the traditional sperm whale ivory. Whether you decide to burn your mortgage or save the deed inside the newel post is up to you. Adding a custom mortgage button however, is a classic detail that will be lovingly caressed every time you use the stairs!
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I love this idea! I remember my parents celebrating when they paid off their mortgage. And I, in turn, celebrated paying off mine. This is an interesting little detail to add to a stair rail, and an opportunity to celebrate home ownership every day!