STOKRLE
It is interesting that the stokerle also appears in the story about the symbol of the Slovenes - Aljaž's tower. Jakob Aljaž, after he bought the peak of Triglav, ordered the tinker master Anton Belac to draw a circle around the three studs and measure its diameter. The height of the line or The windows of the tower, which looked out on all sides of the sky, were determined by measuring the height from the ground to the eyes while sitting on a stoker. They then used these measurements in the construction of the Aljaž tower, which still stands today on the highest Slovenian peak - Triglav.
In addition to the stove, a table with a drawer for cutlery was an integral part of every (farm) kitchen at the turn of the century. If the kitchen was big enough, as well as wooden benches.
Štok(e)rle or štok(e)rl, "Schtökhǝrle" in Kočavar, a four-legged chair without a backrest, was an indispensable piece of furniture in every home. It was used in many kitchens even after the Second World War or far into the second half of the 20th century. From the Etymological Dictionary we learn that the word "štokerle" comes from Bavarian German or from the word "Stockerl", a diminutive of the German word "Stock", which means "stocker" or "steamer". In addition to wider Kočevska, the stockers were spread throughout the LAS area and elsewhere in Slovenia.
Štokrle was distinguished mainly by its practicality, because when it was not in use, it was easily stored under the table. It was used not only for sitting, but also as a low ladder for tasks under the ceiling, on cabinets or e.g. when changing the light bulb and even as a cabinet for storing various items. When washing in the morning or evening, a box or an enamel basin with water or even a flower bed was placed on it. When the adults allowed (which was rare), the children played with the stockers. With a little imagination, they were used as houses or, turned upside down, as a wagon, car or ship. The stockerle was usable until it was completely worn out. But even then, they didn't throw it away, but rather heated it in the oven.