The second/unused chimney has recently been repointed. Since it is not used to vent anything, it would not have been worth it to rebuild it. It was in good enough shape that replacing missing mortar did the job. The chimney at the front of the house vents two boilers and a hot water heater. That was completely rebuilt six or seven years ago. That was a major job and cost a pretty penny.
The Dayton House gets a tax break because of its designation and also because it falls within a census tract. It is harder for lower-income home owners to spend money on repairs that keep a house intact. A chimney that is not used would very rarely if ever be repaired. Because this house is historic and the chimney is a visually interesting element, it just seems better to have it there. The original section of the house had other chimneys that were removed -- most likely at the time of the Italianate update.
This house is across the street. The second chimney here was just removed.
This one is two houses over. The chimney wasn't repointed -- it was just covered with mud.
Neither looks are very attractive. We care a lot about this house, which is why we have chosen to preserve what we can. The chimney is no exception!
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