1802 Door Header

In 19th-century Germany, wooden carvings of heads or other protective symbols under a door beam were often part of the tradition of Fachwerk (half-timbered) construction. These carvings served a protective and spiritual purpose, rooted in folklore and medieval beliefs that continued to influence rural and traditional architecture.

Warding off evil spirits: One of the most common reasons for these carvings was to protect the home and its inhabitants from evil spirits, witches, and misfortune. The figures were meant to scare away malevolent forces from crossing the threshold.

Connecting with ancestors: The symbols could also be carved to honor ancestors, seeking their blessings and protection for the home and family

The IHS monogram is a Christogram and a symbol for Jesus Christ, derived from the first three letters of the Greek spelling of Jesus: ΙΗΣ (Iota-Eta-Sigma). It is also interpreted as an acronym for the Latin phrase "Iesus Hominum Salvator," meaning "Jesus, Savior of Mankind". Historically used as a secret Christian symbol, it is now widely found in Christian art and worship, particularly within the Catholic tradition.

When carved on a door, the IHS monogram represents an owner's devotion to Christ and invokes a blessing over the household. It recalls the 15th-century tradition of using the Holy Name of Jesus as a sign of faith and a request for divine protection against evil. 

Inscription: Old German

S:AGATHA SUBSïDïïS TECTA TUERE TUIS ES STEHT DANCK DIR O GOTT EIN
NEUES WOHNHAUS WIDER DA UNS EIN WUSTER STROM DAS ALTE RISs DAR NIDER
WIR WAEHLTEN NEUER DINGS DEN PLATZ VON VNSERN VOR FAHREN
GOTT WOLL UNS NURVOR KRIEG UND VNGLVCK STAETS BEWAHREN
HENRICH BALTZ UND ELISABETH SULTROP EHELEVTE DEN 28 JUNIVS 1802

————————————————————————————————————-

Inscription: English Translation

St. AGATHA SUBSIDIARIES THE CHURCE OF THE VIRGIN MARY. THANK YOU, O GOD A
NEW HOUSE HAS BEEN BUILT -  A WILD TORRENT SWEPT AWAY THE OLD ONE
WE RECENTLY CHOSE THE PLACE OF OUR ANCESTORS
GOD ONLY WANTS TO PROTECT US FROM WAR AND MISFORTUNE
[MAY GOD PROTECT US FROM WAR AND UNREST]
HEINRICH BALTZ AND ELISABETH SULTROP - MARRIED COUPLE, JUNE 28, 1802

Note: St. Agatha is a protector against fire and other hardships

The old farmhouse on the Bals-Lusebrink, built during the stewardship of Johannes Henricus Baltz and Elizabeth Sültrop, featured an ornately carved beam above the large front door, which was a common practice of the era.

Gene Bals recorded that this house was destroyed by fire in the late 1890s, but when I asked Franz Josef about this in 2025, he didn’t believe it to be the case. Franz Josef’s recollection was that the family was outgrowing the house - they wanted more bedrooms, living space, and ceiling height. Circa 1920, a larger house was built directly behind the existing house and once it was completed, the 1800s farmhouse was dismantled. The beam shows no signs of damage, which one would expect had it somehow survived a devastating fire.

In recent years, the beam has been revitalized and preserved. Pigments were added to the carved inscription to add contrast and then several coats of oil were applied to nourish and protect the wood. It is proudly displayed in the front entry way of the main house.