Fireplace Restoration
In 2020, the four original fireplaces were already sealed with boards. These fireplaces were constructed from handmade bricks, likely produced by enslaved labor, and showed signs of deterioration over the course of two centuries. Rainwater had entered through the open chimneys, and gas heaters had long replaced their original purpose. One fireplace covering had a vent hole for a potbelly heater, while another hid a pile of straw, likely from nesting birds.
The fireboxes were designed to accommodate large logs, and the mantels were originally painted to resemble wood grain; however, they had all been painted black over time. Some pieces of window trim were notched to fit around the tops of the mantels, suggesting that the mantels were made off-site. In the rear rooms, the tops of the mantels showed signs of having been crudely hacked, indicating possible later alterations.
The left rear chimney has suffered damage; its top has collapsed to the level of the roof, and a worn outline suggests the presence of a former room or porch. The restoration is ongoing.