Did you know that in Europe, the person who does a chimney cleaning and inspection wears a full suit with a top hat? Yes, in this very year, chimney sweeps still dress like this! Over one hundred years ago, chimney sweeps were revered for their work. The legend has it that in 1066, King William was rescued from death by a chimney sweep. He invited the chimney sweep to his daughter’s wedding. Ever since, it’s considered good luck to have a chimney sweep at a special occasion or as a visitor in your home. Because of their lucky nature, they are permitted to wear top hats by the King, thus making the profession respectable in the eyes of society.
Additionally, we did not have the same safety measures as we do today, and the public knew this. Young children used to climb up the chimneys and push the creosote and soot out using special techniques that would leave them covered from head to toe in flammable black dust. As time passed, safer measures were taken in the 1700s to prevent people from getting hurt and inhaling the deadly creosote.
An Unexpected Visit from The Chimney Sweep
The story goes (and yes, it’s a real one) that a chimney sweep service in Europe was hired to inspect and conduct a chimney sweep in an old home that is now used as a preschool. The chimney sweep professional came in a black car, and had a helper with him. They were both dressed in all black suits with a top hat and a cane. Very formal. One of the teachers saw the chimney sweep professional, and being from America, she got scared. She never saw a chimney sweep professional before, nor heard of the myth. Scared of who they were, she ran for the phone and called the police, thinking that the professional sweeps were holding canes as a weapon! As they knocked on the door, a few teachers ran up behind her to stop her from calling the police, and explained that the strangely dressed men were chimney sweeps, and they were here to help! The sweeps thought the situation was amusing, and brought out candy for all of the children. The myth is true; chimney sweeps do bring good luck. Maybe not for the scared teacher, but definitely for the children!
Chimney Sweeps in Modern Day Chicagoland Area
Now, it’s true that chimney technicians may not dress in suits and top hats in America, but we do exactly the same job. Superior Chimney technicians are here to help with your chimney cleaning and inspection. Your chimney has likely been closed up all summer, and now that the weather’s cold and a perfect reason to use your fireplace, it’s important to call us for a chimney sweep and 14-point inspection before you light it to accompany your holiday feasts. This is so important, especially if you haven’t gotten it inspected over the summer. The last thing you want is for your home to be filled with smoke, cold air, or even worse, a chimney fire! Call Superior Chimney professionals at 877-224-6349 for an inspection. Who knows, we might just show up on your doorstep wearing a suit and top hat…
