Sash windows are the familiar ones that consist of one or move panels of glass panes separated by narrow strips of wood. This type of window has been used since Georgian times in England and all of the regions of the world influenced by its empirical expansion.

Although the origin of this style is not completely established (by a registered patent, for instance), the creator is generally held to be an English scientist and inventor, Robert Hooke. He was instrumental in rebuilding London after its Great Fire of 1666, being named official surveyor and designing many of the principal buildings built in the 70s. Hooke used his knowledge of clock making and studies in gravity to create his innovative design, one which has never gone out of fashion.

Sashes are part of life for many, who grew up hearing about 'throwing up the sash' when St. Nick came with his reindeer on 'The Night Before Christmas.' Remember vainly trying to open a window either stuck by the swelling of the wood or by repeated layers of paint? Or getting a stick to prop it open because the inner weights or cords had stopped doing their job?

Think of all the scenes in movies when a sneaky burglar silently raises an unlocked window to creep inside, or how many times you yourself have gotten in when you have misplaced the key to the front door. How about the suspense or comedy shows when a window is shut just before the eavesdropping hero or heroine hears the vital clue?

Consider the tradition of leaving a pie on the sill to cool before dinner, a fact well known to hungry boys or tramps. And how could romance function without rocks being tossed at upper windows and the sash being raised to give one more rendition of the balcony scene from 'Romeo and Juliet'. Many a love affair has been furthered by a serenade underneath one of these useful openings.

It is just as romantic when a fresh breeze flutters the curtains, or the sound of awakening birds ushers in the dawn along with the coolness of the morning. The sounds of children playing outside is part of summertime, reminiscent of times before air conditioning, and there has been many a marital argument over whether the window should be open or closed.

Sash windows are still fashionable and eminently practical after all these years. It is hard to think about a day when children won't be drawing houses with tic-tac-toe windows and a lolly pop tree in the yard. Changes in the design may have made cleaning easier and security better, but the essentials are still with us after three centuries.