Screens: A Window to Six Degrees of Separation

Screens: A Window to Six Degrees of Separation

What do tigers, cheese, the Civil War, mosquitoes, Native Americans, and Dr. Walter Reed all have in common?

Surprisingly, they all share a connection through the evolution of the American mesh window screen.

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Window and door screens can be traced back to the very inception of door and window frames. The earliest screens were made of ceramic, stone, or wood, continuing to be integral in many Eastern cultures today. Dating back centuries, ancient screens were functional, aesthetic, and even symbols of social hierarchy. In places like China and India, intricate wooden screens adorned buildings, featuring latticework or mythological motifs, often embellished with gold leaf. They provided not merely division and protection from intruders, but also transformed spaces with intricate patterns and shadows cast by light. However, they were not effective against one category of intruder—insects. For that purpose, ornate cloth screens were commonly employed, allowing light while helping to fend off pests and dust.

Moving forward in time to North America, the design and construction of window and door screens saw a significant shift. By the early 20th century, wire screens became commonplace in homes, particularly in the United States (U.S.), and remain vital components of architecture today. Historian Russell Lynes famously noted that window screening marked "the most humane contribution to the 19th century and the most unsung."

Initially, similar to their Eastern counterparts, the first screens in the U.S. were created from cheesecloth. Nevertheless, cheesecloth lacked the aesthetic appeal and practical functionalities that later versions showcased. Soon after, horsehair mesh screens emerged, followed by wire mesh screens, gaining popularity by the late 19th century.

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How and why did wire screens gain popularity from the 19th to the 20th century, becoming staples in U.S. homes?

Following the Civil War, various markets in the South faced decline, including the cheese industry. A particular instrument, a wire mesh sieve essential to cheese production, led to innovation when an inventive employee at Gilbert & Bennett in Connecticut created and sold it as a window screen, saving the company from bankruptcy. Despite this, screens remained a luxury item for middle and upper classes until a rapid increase in patents and demand turned them into household necessities.

Window and Door Screens Save Lives: 20th Century Breakthrough

During this era, Major Walter Reed, M.D., made critical contributions to public health. His research into living conditions uncovered the link between mosquitoes and diseases like yellow fever and malaria. Reed demonstrated that wire mesh screens could effectively prevent insect infiltration, positioning window and door screens as essential health safeguards.

This new understanding led to a noticeable reduction in epidemics. By this period, possessing window and door screens signaled cleanliness and good hygiene, reinforcing their place in American homes. The North Carolina Health Bulletin remarked, "Any home that values health and decency will certainly have screens in the dining room and kitchen. The whole house should be screened." Furthermore, the folk-art movement of painted screens in Baltimore, MD, during this period exemplified creative expression through functional design.

21st Century Screens: Easy, Essential, Effortless, and Ever Evolving!

In the 21st century, mesh screens have become a standard feature in U.S. homes, enhanced by advancements in materials and functionality. Today, they still serve their protective purpose but are easier to use and install. Screens are now constructed from various materials, including aluminum, brass, and innovative synthetic fibers like fiberglass, nylon, and polyester. Modern screens also offer features like UV protection and allergen filtration. The rescreening of homes has become a manageable task, and we are equipped to assist you with your unique installation needs. Our commitment lies in providing excellent service and pressure-free consultations.

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