A few weeks ago, I posted an image of a water well seen during a midday stroll through the historic district in Williamsburg, VA. That same property was bordered by this algae covered fence. While I thought the green color really added to the look of the white fence, I’m not sure that the caretakers of the historic property agree.
I was also drawn to this gate weight which allows the garden gate to swing gently closed by gravity.
I wasn’t able to find much history about these 18th century gate weights.
Can any of you gardeners or historians offer any information?
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
No help here. But, it sure is unique!! Hello my friend!
Hi Laurie! So glad you found a moment to visit 🙂
Can’t help with the historical part but it sure makes an interesting photo!
I agree, and I loved the algae on the fence
Beautiful images Laurie 🙂 I am always impressed by the simple technology (gate weight) or should I say elegant simple solutions to every day problems that were used years ago.
Yes, I wish I could have found out who first came up with such a simple, as as you say, elegant solution
I’ve never heard of gate weights and this one is quite interesting – a small cannonball I’m thinking?
That’s what it looks like, doesn’t it
What else are you supposed to do with them now? 😉
I have never heard of or seen a gate weight before – but I love it and think it should make a comeback in all its beautiful simplicity! I’d buy one!! 🙂
I like it, too!
I think the algae gives the fence some character – very nice pictures!
I agree about the algae. I’m not sure the fence would have caught my eye without it.
Great photos. I know nothing about historical things.
I’m not that far ahead of you 🙂
I tried a search on line and even ploughed through pages of the OED – to no avail 🙂
Thanks for trying, Derrick. Pretty cool idea!
I had never heard of a gate weight either, but reading this I’m surprised they didn’t catch on: http://shop.colonialwilliamsburg.com/Gate-Weight-Chain
I like the green tinged fence (and your gorgeous photo). There is something about nature putting her stamp on man-made structures that I find appealing.
You said it perfectly, Alsy. Nature did put her stamp on it and made it better!
🙂
Definitely a creative invention, presumably to keep animals out/in?
Like a nice red wine, it’s nicely aged. Details matter.