This distinctive building style that originated in major Dutch trading cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam enabled traders to easily move their goods. On the gables, you can still see the remains of cranes, pulleys and hoisting devices that were used to load and unload products for transport and shipping. - http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/content/press/press_informati...

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One thing all canal houses have in common is the hook in the gable, oftentimes with a pulley wheel and rope hanging from it. This handy manual elevator system was developed from medieval shipping tactics and helps to avoid moving bulky goods up the precariously steep staircases - http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/fea...

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Very often a wooden beam for a hoist is set above the central window: this allowed a pulley and rope to be attached so that merchandise could be hoisted up in to the storage space in the attics. - http://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/Netherlands-Am...

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Incidentally, the hijsbalk -- the hook you see on many gables -- might look to be ideal for a hanging (the kids maybe), but is actually used with rope and pulley for hauling large, heavy items in and out of homes that have steep, narrow staircases.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/amsterdam/0043021197.ht...

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Hijsbalk - http://www.gewotimmerbedrijf.nl/overige.html

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Note added at 6 hrs (2010-12-07 04:21:46 GMT)
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http://www.pervan.de/reiseberichte/Bild*Hijsbalk_Hebebalken_...

http://www.vocaire.com/pictures/displayimage.php?album=40&po...