The Vidette-Messenger Centennial EditionThe 1936 special edition celebrating Porter County's centennial year . . . .
The following article has been transcribed from the August 18, 1936, issue of The Vidette-Messenger, published in Valparaiso, Indiana. This particular special edition focuses on Porter County's centennial celebration and contains a 94-page compendium of Porter County history up to that time.
Return to the index of articles from The Vidette-Messenger's Porter County Centennial special edition.
Source: The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso,
Porter County, Indiana; August 18, 1936; Volume 10, Section 4, Page 9.
FREEMAN HOME BROUGHT BAY WINDOW STYLE
The house at
the northeast intersection of Chicago and Washington street is one of the old
landmarks. It was built in 1894 by Lorenzo Freeman. The Freemans came from
Connecticut and their homestead is still standing there, a house whose corner
stone relates that it was laid July 4, 1776. It is a square frame with high
ceilings. Lorenzo, Azariah, and Truman Freeman and their sister, Mrs. Philura
Freeman Crosby, came to Porter county between the years 1837 and 1840 and
furnished with the Buels a New England strain to the village. Azariah built the
brick house that was pulled down when Walter Clifford wished to erect his home
next to his father. Lorenzo bought the lot across the street north of Benj.
McCarthy, who made the original plat, in 1849.
The entrance in those days was on Chicago street. The bay windows were the first
ever seen in Valparaiso and evoked great admiration. The hall, stair case and
particularly the fine stair rail were among the first efforts of elegance in
workmanship. Lorenzo and Truman Freeman had earlier built homes on the east side
of Franklin street. By 1853 they were ready to change their habitat again.
Lorenzo sold to his brother-in-law Morgan Crosby, and the two brothers erected
the two houses on the hill facing the Nickel Plats station.
Mr. Crosby lived in his new home only three years, selling to Wm. Wilson in
1850. From that date until 1935 it remained in the Wilson family, father, son
and grandson. Last year Rev. Strecker bought the house and put it into the hands
of Jack Burt for Rejuvenation. It still presents an exterior of substantial
comfort, practically the same appearance it exhibited in the time of the Wilsons,
who changed the entrance to Washington street. The interior has been modernized,
the front and back parlor are now one large living room with a fireplace at the
east end. The high ceiling of the kitchen has been lowered; two complete
bathrooms added; the rear of the hall has been turned into a cozy library. In
fact the house is one of the convenient and commodious as well as one of the
most attractive in the city.
From another angle this house has a remarkable share in the town's annals. The
Freemans were people of taste and refinement, they enjoyed the social amenities.
From the home on Franklin street coffee and doughnuts were served to the men who
built the first Presbyterian church. Church social gatherings were held in the
new home on Washington street during both the days of when Mrs. Harriet Cheney
Freeman presided there and when Mrs. Philura Freeman Crosby was hostess. Mrs.
William Wilson was from New York and came to Valparaiso to teach. She was well
educated in books and in the traditions of refined living. Her furnishings and
her domestic economy gave the impression of thrift and elegance. She opened her
house to the missionary society and the mile societies of her church, which were
the social gatherings of that time. She had many curios which the children loved
to gaze at. Mrs. James Wilson, a sister of Mrs. A. L. Eaton, was a Methodist,
and in her day the Methodists held their aid societies there. Mrs. Strecker is
identified with the Methodist church and is also active in club work as under
her regime the hospitality of the house will continue.
Article transcribed by Steven R. Shook