Fay Stapleton Burnett writes: “This was on my grandparents farm, later my parents farm, on Rosemary Church Road in Metter, GA. I believe it was built about 1861. It did not have a hallway, but did have an entry foyer…then had basically four rooms that each had a fireplace on the diagonal. A kitchen was added onto the back later, and also another bedroom, but neither had a fireplace. It was falling into such disrepair, that it was a hazard, so my sister and I had it torn down. But, the good news is that some of the building materials were salvaged. I have boards, doors, and timbers used in my house in Elberton…..including the front door.“
It was later used as a tenant house. Gail Douglas Charles writes: “My Grandparents (Oren & Lottie Douglas)lived here about 60 years ago. I told Dad it looked like they had central heat, he said ” no it was very cold they usually only had a fire in one fireplace and all the heat went up the chimney”.
This saddlebag house with a four-sided chimney is rarer than the typical two-chimney houses.
How fascinating, this multi fireplace centrally located is very unusual architecture for the south, while travelling a few weeks ago, on backroads I saw a chimney in Heard County, it is a four faced fireplace with a shared chimney, much like the one pictured here. Haven’t been able to find out about it online, perhaps there is a distant connection?
This was on my grandparents, later my parents farm on Rosemary Church Road in Metter, GA. I believe it was built about 1861. It did not have a hallway, but did have an entry foyer…then had basically four rooms that each had a fireplace on the diagonal. A kitchen was added onto the back later, and also another bedroom, but neither had a fireplace. It was falling into such disrepair, that it was a hazard, so my sister and I had it torn down. But, the good news is that some of the building materials were salvaged. I have boards, doors, and timbers used in my house in Elberton…..including the front door.
My Grandparents lived here about 60 years ago. I told Dad it looked like they had central heat, he said ” no it was very cold they usually only had a fire in one fireplace and all the heat went up the chimney.” Thanks for the pictures, what memories.
Gail: what were their names? I like adding names to a house when I have them.
Their names wer Oren and Lottie Douglas, it was owned by Will Jones, this was about 60 years ago.
Thank you so much for this family story, Gail! What were your grandparents’ names if you don’t mind me asking? I’d like to add it to the title or include it in the information.
there is a chimney like this on hwy 29 between tarrytown and higgston i used to drive that road a bunch the house was tore down about 5 yrs ago but it looked just like the one pictured the chimney is still standing.
I have never seen an old house without a hall or maybe it cant be seen in this pic. Thank you for all the great photographs.Most people have no idea what they are..they are just old bldgs. But the day will come that they will be priceless.
Jo Ann Brown West
From what I could see, Joann, there was NO hallway. Odd, I know…Thanks so much for your nice words!
Wonderful photograph as usual. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, this is wonderful to see. Gives me ideas for my house. Great heating system for house.
I grew up in Georgia and never seen a four sided chimney. A 2-sided Chimney, yes. This is amazing. Thanks so much Brian for the vanishing history of Georgia.