stair hall · foot of the rise · square newel
a square pillar of oak at the foot of the rise, panelled on all four sides. it is the building's load-bearing summary of itself: the balustrade joins it; the finial crowns it; the stairs set out from its base.
coats have been hung on it (no), hats have been hung on it (yes), letters have been left waiting on its cap (often). the panel on the stair-facing side is rubbed where right hands have rested before the climb. the panel on the hall side is unrubbed.
field-note · lean a shoulder against it for a slow count of seven. it leans back.
it shoulders the rail; it carries the finial; it sets the foot of the stairs.