There’s a few projects left on our stone installers agenda… And since they’re coming on Tuesday it’s definitely time to prep! One of the projects is a new travertine mantel top for our fireplace, to match the credenza. The plan is to stain all the original lovely white oak and unfortunately the current top is a painted pine replacement likely from the 60-70s. Would have loved to see the original!

So off it went! So many interesting discoveries made…

We found two original pieces of trim tucked under the mantel. Here, looking down into the void between masonry fireplace and wood mantel:

We also discovered and old vent pipe for the (gas?) insert that once was in the fireplace, and confirmed that knob & tube wiring controlled the insert from a switch in the secret door on the side of the fireplace. The mess:

Lovely!