February means boot scraper weather in New York City

Snow, rain, sleet—the muckier the weather, the more New Yorkers of the 19th and early 20th century probably appreciated boot scrapers.

These sharp blades embedded discreetly into the iron railings of city stoops were essential for making sure a guest’s boots were wiped clean of mud, slush, horse manure, ash, and other icky debris that could stick to the soles and dirty up a fine front parlor—or bring disease-causing germs into a household.

This boot scraper still exists on the front steps of a Williamsburg walkup. It’s not as fancy as other boot scrapers that still exist in New York City today, but it looks like it’ll do the job and keep the home clean!