After I figured out what it was and how to assemble it (just gitt'n old), I found the same usefulness. What is sort of neat is the Norse-like style of it. Sort of like one of those viking lodges that have the crossed-poles at the end of the roof line. It also has rune-like patterns etched in the feet to give a non-slip surface.

I can't imagine why they chose a design theme like that--I mean, why didn't they go for Chinese pagoda, or Japanese Shinto temple, or even FLW Prairie style?