what is this?

Methinks you have two options, get the EGR going whatever the history may be. That would require a carb with an EGR port and the thermostat housing with CCEGR switch. Assuming you have the vacuum amplifier intact. Also, it looks like some sort of leak at the EGR valve that probably should be dealt with. If you have emissions checking this would be the way to go.

Or they make blocking plates for the EGR valve port on the intake. If it runs good now, removing the EGR valve won't make a difference.