Fun Stuff

Hi! Tim here. I started TJ’s Chimney Sweep back in 1979 (which means we had our 36th birthday this year).  I launched it as a way to earn a second income and to get away from working in a factory. This was right at the time when the old oil embargo was well under way…

Benjamin Franklin is best known as one of our nation’s Founding Fathers. He helped to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In addition, to being a statesman and diplomat, Franklin was also an author, publisher, scientist and inventor. Franklin was naturally curious about things and how they worked, so it’s no surprise…

Each Christmas, the question many children around the world have this: “How exactly does Santa Claus get down the chimney?” After all, the chimney flue isn’t that big, and Santa Claus is a plump, old fellow. Plus his bag of toys is pretty big, too. It’s a perplexing question, and one that many parents may…

While many Americans burn fires in their fireplaces or wood-burning stoves during the holidays, the Yule log is an old Christmas tradition that most Americans really don’t celebrate. So what is the Yule log? In medieval times, before Christianity became widespread, people in Northern Europe would burn the Yule log on the Winter Solstice, the…

Movies can be considered a hobby of sorts. Movies are what we turn to remember the good ole days, to entertain us, and to experienceanother world. There is so much packed into each movie that we sometimes fail to see what’s in the background. After some research I found an article that lists eight fireplace…

Once you have had your fireplace cleaned by a professional you may be ready to use it more often and show it off. If your fireplace tends to be the meeting ground for your family and friends you will want to make sure you make it the central focus when setting up your room. First you…

It is always interesting to look at old fireplaces and see how elaborate they were and the story of the surroundings and buildings around it. One that is more famous is the fireplace located in the smoke room of the Titanic. This fireplace has been a part of films, articles, and frequently talked about for its…