The old mantle had to go. This turned into a bit of a project but with a little help from my Dad we got it done. I found an old post from Urban Miners (a salvage place in CT). We carefully hollowed out part of the back big enough to fit a 2x4. The first photo will show you what the mantle and living room looked like before we moved in. 

About 3 years ago we stepped into a bit of a project. We purchased a 1740's home in Cheshire CT which was originally the Thomas Parker Tavern. Follow along on our old house journey. Here it is straight from the history books: