An Evening of History at the Storrington Centre

Kelli McRobert | Apr 03, 2024

Last week, more than 75 residents gathered to reminisce, indulging in tales of yesteryears. The communities of Battersea, Sunbury, Inverary, and Storrington came to life through narratives, journals, and anecdotes shared by longtime residents and local historians.

Jeff Peters, addressing the gathering and recent arrivals, shared his enduring fascination with homesteading and connecting with neighbors—an interest that first blossomed in the 1980s.

As he recited the names of the residents, he wove stories of food, friendship, and the cherished memories each resident held—a tapestry of warmth and familial bonds within the community.

The guests nestled into the cozy embrace of storytelling, savoring home-baked snacks, coffee, and tea. As the tales unfolded, they were whisked away to bygone eras—days steeped in ‘speakeasies-Woodchuck Hole’, the rhythm of farming, and the echoing buzz of lumber mills.

The room echoed with laughter as names surfaced, evoking memories of $16 fishing guides—the very ones who assisted American guests during their stay at the lodge.

Clifford McFarlane, a local historian, diligently preserved the tales passed down to him by his mother—an equally passionate historian committed to sharing stories.

The evening unfolded with the insights of Alita Battey-Pratt, Walt Freeman, Ron Sleeth, Jack Moreland, Alice Kirkpatrick, and ended with a heartfelt letter from Bessie Tye - a cherished local centenarian, gracefully read by Sue Peters.

Each contributor provided a fleeting glimpse into historical buildings, people, and places - a journey that transported us to a bygone era, perhaps best described as a ‘quieter time’ or a ‘simpler time’.

Ron and Alice were Battersea residents and Jack grew up on the farm between Inverary and Sunbury where he still lives. Both learned to drive anything with an engine as soon as they could reach the pedals and the steering wheel at the same time. Ron spoke of a ‘clubhouse’ in the brush where, in Ron’s words, “We learned things our parents didn’t teach us, some of which I haven’t forgotten.” Alice, so tiny she could barely reach the (lowered) microphone, taught in many local schools after getting her teachers’ certificate. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke of the rude city girls at KCVI who looked down on her for being ‘from the country’ but whose marks were lower than hers, and her relief at finally transferring to Sydenham High where the rest of her eleven siblings went to school.

During the brief intermission, small groups formed, allowing people to reminisce, stretch their legs, and catch up with neighbours they hadn’t seen. It provided an atmosphere for conversation, friendly greetings, and nostalgia.

I found solace in Alita’s rhythmic voice as she delved into a segment of the historical book - it felt like a soothing story time for adults. Walt also regaled us with journal entries that transported us to a specific historical moment. As he spoke, I could vividly picture Battersea Road, horse-drawn buggies, and the quiet seclusion of farms along the writer’s journey.

Jack brought up the ‘Green Hornet,’ while Jeff noted that during baseball games, hundreds of fans gathered to support their beloved town, even paying a fee to attend. Jack, whose home was constructed in 1876 for $2300, serves as the self-proclaimed Mayor of Sunbury. He regaled listeners with captivating tales and the antics of young rural teens. His historic home was “constructed with bricks that traversed the ocean on a ship and served as ballast”, he proudly boasted.

During the discussion, the possibility of holding another session was raised, contingent upon the audience’s interest, and a bit of planning.

Shout out to Sue Peters, Sally Blasko, Sharon Freeman, and Debbie Campaigne for the snacks!