The White House Chimney Sweep

Photo credit: ericspitznagel.com

Did you know that the White House has a chimney sweep? For the past 19 years, through three presidential administrations (two terms of Bill Clinton, two terms of George W. Bush and one term so far of Barack Obama), Jeff Schmittinger of Waukesha, Wisconsin has cleaned the White House's 35 chimneys. The best part? Schmittinger has done it for free.

His job started in 1993, when he volunteered to clean the chimneys after hearing how bad the country's federal deficit problem was. President Bill Clinton took him up on his offer, and Schmittinger has been handling the duties ever since.

Does your home need a chimney cleaning of its own? Get in touch with Bergen County chimney sweeps Guardian Chimney today by calling (888) 688-1388.

Chimney Sweeps Celebrate in England

A 400-year tradition, the Sweeps Festival, was revived in 1980 and has been running strong for 32 years in Rochester, England. The festival, which harkens back to the Victorian chimney sweep days of old, includes Morris dancers and a Jack-in-the-Green ceremony that helps it stick to tradition. Here are a few photos from the festival (photo credit: Huffington Post).







The profession of the chimney sweep is a proud, storied tradition and we're always happy to see its roots celebrated. Need a chimney sweep of your own? Contact Bergen County chimney sweeps Guardian Chimney today at (888) 688-1388.