Centennary Celebration Of “The Big House”

Submitted by Heather Freeman | Sep 27, 2023

On September 1st, the Freeman Clan in Battersea joined together with family, neighbours and friends at 4994 Battersea Rd. to honour the legacy of Dr. Norman and Gertrude Freeman. These two met while attending Queen’s University in 1918 and married on August 22, 1922. They purchased this beautiful home and 12 acres from Charles Holden on June 7th 1923 for $4,000.00.

Grandpa said that the southerly end was built around 1880 and the rest of the house was added before WWI. Amazing quality construction, the walls and floors just as square, level and plum as the day it was finished. Thanks to the workmanship over the years by Bob Wright, Houston Construction and Pete Einwechter, she’s kept her looks! Grandma said this house had the first indoor flush toilet in the village but the 2 seater outhouse still stands, thanks to recent renovations! Lighting was provided by small copper tubes that ran from an appliance in the basement that supplied gas to the several light fixtures. Hydro came to Battersea in the 1930’s and the chandeliers still hanging today were converted from gas to electricity. Jersey cows, butter churning, an ice cream machine, vegetable gardens, preserving, tree tapping and big family meals stand out in our memories.

Grandfather had his medical practice in the house almost until his death in 1971. As his grandchildren, we were the first ones in line at school for our needles and we had to be brave! This couple were very involved in their church and Battersea community and Gertrude was a noted historian. The Freeman brothers, John and Hugh, together with grandfather formed N.V. Freeman and Sons in 1957. This successful fur business thrived with the help of family and neighbours which enabled us to keep the house for all to enjoy.

As we prepared our celebration we put the past on display. The doctor’s chair, medical bag, photographs, news articles, scrapbooks, WWI uniform, wedding dresses and much memorabilia came down from attics, out of trunks and closets. It was a joy to dig them out, dust them off and give them their big day! We encouraged our guests to get in the spirit by dressing like it was 1923. We had ladies in tea gowns, flappers with feathers, men in vests, fedoras and caps. The biggest surprise was Bonnie and Clyde with kids (aka Will and Sharon Freeman and daughters Maddie and Lily) complete with their guns and vintage yellow getaway car! Perfect music was on the lawn by King of the Swingers, a toe-tapping crowd pleaser, especially with the little tykes. As the lights came on into the evening friends and neighbours joined us for food, beverages and Hat Trick’s great 60’s and 70’s tunes to dance the night away. Here’s to the next 100 years!