This newel post serves as an anchor (um, I guess they all do) for the base of the stair railing. It isn't easy locating solid big interesting newel posts but I actually managed to find and buy this one from my wonderful neighbors Paula and Sandor across the street, they had one from an old horse farm in upstate New York that was perfect – solid old fir, architectural fit plus it feels like good luck, like I am rubbing Buddha's belly. The man-child genius Robert cut repaired and fit it to it into the railing looking like it had always been there...if you need Robert (and you do) contact me. OK, now I leave town for a marvelous adventure in NYC meeting with friends, see some art and leave the world of renovating.
Oh and did I mention these stairs are softer and more smooth than your butt, I'm just sayin'.
