the mystery of 1912

So the other day my contractor calls me over to check something out on the side of the house. We look up the utility chimney stack near the guest room window. One of his crew had discovered some writing, a date in fact. "10 11 12". This wasn't scribbled in mind you, someone actually carved into that brick in some fancy script.

A few years back I traced this house to be built in 1914, based on city directories from the era. You can't argue with something carved into the masonry in an inconspicuous spot though. So was this house actually built in 1912? Can't say for sure, but the masons had definitely begun construction of the brick structure by then. Or maybe that was a signature the builder would put on the house when the house was freshly minted. Either way, I think it's just too cool. Now everyone go inspect your chimney stacks... You know you want to! :)