A Mystery Unearthed and Swiftly Solved

There seems to be no end to the discovery phase....As we got the south side stripped of the third and second layers of siding, we began to notice a correlation between rotted top plate and two sections of replaced siding.  On a hunch, I dug into the soil and discovered a footing at each location, getting in return a very satisfying "aha" as it all came together:  There were once two chimneys on that side - one at the living room and one at the kitchen.  Both had been installed in such a way as to allow water to penetrate along the joint between the chimney and the roof (ie no cricket) and thus the two worst sections of rotted top plate!

In addition, we had begun to suspect that the existing chimney wasn't original, because of its location and that its enclosure sat on top of a newer layer of plywood subfloor.  So now we're sure it isn't original and we plan to eliminate it, as it is an obstruction in the second floor space.  We would like to restore one or both of the original chimneys, but we don't know if the funds will allow it at this time.  Funds being not so endless as the discoveries.

This is Carol tirelessly but carefully doing demolition in the front bedroom. 

This is the aforementioned south side, stripped of its two outer layers of siding and showing two locations where chimneys once existed.  The nearer is covered in unpainted wood, the farther (living room) is covered with wood siding, painted blue.  Also note the two hidden window openings (we like to call that "fenestration") that had been likewise covered over with blue painted siding.  Incidentally, that "siding" had once been inside as finish wall surface, and apparently was removed and, in true Ocracoke fashion, re-used.
 

Oh, and this is the rotted top plate, which has now been cut out and replaced with new material matching the dimensions of and lap-jointed into the existing. 

As to the ongoing discussion on insulation, moisture, condensation, dew point, etc... it'll have to wait 'til next post.  Also, I have information about a very effective environmentally friendly insecticide/fungicide which I've just ordered and will use throughout this structure.  I'm hoping to post again before the week is over.  Adieu.