In terms of an educated guess, though: I tend to think that this ornamental ironwork was just a decorative effect to spice up otherwise boxy, similar ranches…another example of variation added to subdivision homes that would otherwise have been quite cookie cutter. The ironwork also provided posts for a relatively inexpensive and cheery front porch or door entryway also. Metal would have been plentiful post war – so this was a good way to integrate it. Finally – I think this will also turn out to be a mass-produced, great grandchild of Victorian ironwork.