Before an old house came under the wrecking ball I would salvage the brick from any chimneys., you maybe pleasantly surprised to find they're worth more than new brick.
Once the brick is free you can rub two together to remove any remaining mortar.
This website will give you some ideas of what folks are doing with brick and stone.
Landmark Architectural Salvage Blog | Architectural Salvage, Sleepers & Granite
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