This question may be too parochial or local, but I can’t seem to find any answers. A fairly newly built house on the northwest corner of Dempster and Ridge is in the shape of a tall rectangular block. From each of the four corners of the roof hangs a cord that looks something like a necklace in that it has what look like blocks or crystals of some sort all up and down it. Each crystal is about 5 inches wide, I’m guessing. The cords are stretched tightly between roof and ground. I have watched the building for a couple years now to see if there’s anything that could be seen that would give a clue. Could it have something to do with water drainage? I’ve never seen anything like this on any building. Ever. Anyplace. Is it a decoration? Does any local doper have any idea what these chains or strings are?
I found that corner on Google Maps, but none of the buildings there have what you are describing. Is there any way you can post a picture of it or find it on Google Maps and post a link?
Nope. The street view in Google Earth shows the building under construction many months ago and the chains aren’t installed yet. This may be a job for “photography guy.” I may just have to go over there and see if I can get a shot of it, although I’m not “computer guy” and I don’t know if I can find a way to post it. I’ll work on that after I get the shot I need.
Yep, rain chains. Of course, if I had waited for that last post, I wouldn’t have had to go out in this weather and take a closer look for myself. However, that’s what they are. Here are some pictures that confirm Goofus’s conjecture. I’ve never seen these before. Had no clue as to what they were. But from the pictures, you can see that they’re attached to the gutter. And they are, indeed, made of decorative cups and chains. There is no downspout on that house. Very interesting. http://picasaweb.google.com/heresthepictures/RainChains#
What a coincidence, My family noticed those as we drove down Ridge today and commented on them! They appeared to be covered in ice or snow at the time and are quite distinctive.
I was just on my way to my parents house and stopped to take a picture of these. But it looks like you already got your answer.
They look like a PITA to clean the leaves out of.