CHIMNEY RESEARCH
The two-story, center-chimney front house, built in the 1780’s or 90’s, showed indisputable evidence of having had a large central chimney stack. This was proven by the massive stone foundation in the cellar and the framing of the roof, as well as by Barber's rendering of the house in the early 1800's.
Unfortunately, these original fireplaces were removed in the middle of the 19th century, when twin chimneys were installed around a then-modern central hallway, clearly visible in this 1879 print.....
and in the house, where girts had been notched to make room for them.....
and in the fallen chimneys laying on the floor under where they had once risen through the ceiling.
