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A Brief History of Weathervanes
Weathervanes are as old as the times – and as refreshingly new as the modern day. Weathervanes, while reminding us of a simpler time in life, are multi-purposed. Not only do they serve the useful function of telling us how the wind is blowing (which is important whether planting the fields, predicting the weather, or flying a kite), but they also tell others a little bit about us. They let passersby know a little bit about the people living there or at least the area in which people live. Agricultural areas often sport weathervanes on houses, garages, barns or outbuildings showing the types of animals they raise or their favorite tractor to drive. Those along lake and seashores often denote the commerce or nature of their area – lighthouses, sailing ships, fish or birds. And those anywhere in the United States may choose a patriotic eagle to adorn a rooftop.
Weathervanes date back as far as the first century with some being mentioned in ancient writings dating over 3000 years ago. The current word “vane” comes from the Old English word “fane,” which means flag or banner. In the days of yore, weathervanes were most useful depicting the direction of the wind, however, they stood high and proud to tell a story as well. One early Greek weathervane had eight sides with each side depicting a different wind god. The direction of the wind that day indicated which god would control the weather for the day.
In the 9th century it is reported that the Pope decreed that every church should bear a weathervane in the shape of a cockerel on its steeple to remind parishioners that the cock would not crow the morning after the last supper until the disciple Peter had denounced Jesus three times. These vanes became known as weathercocks and have since been seen on church steeples in Europe and the New World for centuries. As the New World became settled, businessmen and merchants put up weathervanes showing their wares or the interests of the area. Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington all had weathervanes on their homes. Thomas Jefferson designed his vane so that it was attached to points inside his home that turned with the wind outside and he could tell the wind direction without ever leaving the comfort of his home. George Washington’s weathervane depicted the Dove of Peace and he placed it on his Mt. Vernon estate after the Revolutionary War. Following the Revolutionary War, patriotic weathervanes were quite popular – whether an eagle, a peace dove, or a Goddess of Liberty. As settlers began to move west, various designs sprang forth. Weathervanes began to depict farming, the railroads, Indians, arrows, professions such as firefighting, racehorses, and even exotic animals. These weathervanes were made from a variety of materials including brass, copper, iron and even wood. One fortunate enough to find an antique weathervane from this era may have to spend in the high six figures for a prime collectable.
Weathervanes have been popular through the ages and their popularity is on the rise again. Whatever your reason for acquiring a weathervane, we ask you this - What well-dressed house would consider presenting itself without a weathervane? We applaud you for becoming a part of a tradition through the ages.
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