Two chimneys without a home
What the heck, I thought when I spotted these two high standing chimneys, alone along a rural road in Madison County. Where is the house?
Pulling over to the side of the road I could see that these chimneys were historical -- probably from the mid-1800s or before. But without the actual physical presence of the house it was difficult to sense the house form that once stood between the chimneys.
I got out of my small black truck and started taking photos from the roadside. I stood and tried to figure out why the house was gone while the monstrous chimneys were left standing.
My first thoughts were that the house probably had burned down recently until I realized that mature trees were now growing in the space where a house would have stood. At that point I scratched my head and asked myself why the two old chimneys were left standing all these years.
Right chimney
The chimney on the right had a metal pipe nearby its fireplace maybe for water (?), which could mean that it was remodeled for indoor plumbing later in its life. If this were true I would think that this side of the house served as the kitchen area? Obviously no basement as trees were growing at ground level between the two chimneys.
Right chimney
Close up of chimney fireplace.
Opening of the fireplace appeared to be white limestone rock.
Left chimney with two fireplaces.
I noticed that the top fireplace was sealed off. White plaster of some sort was partly surrounding both fireplaces.
Left chimney fireplace with limestone around opening -- duplicating right chimney
Sure would value some thoughts on this missing house. Why are the chimneys still standing? Did the house burn down? Have you ever seen chimneys left standing alone on a homestead for a long period of time -- after the house was gone? Any other ideas?
By the way -- the front yard was filled with a scattering of wild spring daffodils. The only life left on the old homestead.
