Restoration work continued

Here is the room-sized cavity where the maze of brickwork and chimney had been; note old front door in background.

 The restoration took many years, but given the care and craftsmanship that went into building the house, it was worth the effort. Here is a photo of the parlor mantle and woodwork around the original fireplace.

Speaking of the restored center chimney, it was built in 1973 by master craftsman Ralph Burnham, then in his 80's. 

Ann Marie Maguire writes, "It was built in the old way, with new bricks, and faced with old bricks salvaged from prior chimneys.  He even included a working beehive oven in the large kitchen/keeping room fireplace, which could be used to bake bread in today.  It  was the next to last chimney Ralph ever built, and he built it to last.  Ralph was a pleasure to work with, and to watch working.  He had a great sense of humor, and always words of encouragement for us as we worked on the old place."

The parlor as it stands today:

 The keeping room today:

 View of the hall and, on the far side, a glimpse of the parlor.