10239 Highway 1: The David Freeman House

Architecture Style: Gothic Revival

Built: 1876

Nova Scotia is close to the sea. The Annapolis River is just one of its waterways that flows day and night, season upon season toward the Atlantic; every village, town, or city in our province has been shaped by the sea. In Paradise, we welcomed shipbuilders, merchants, and captains who decided to be “farmer” instead of “mariner.” Capt. Thomas and Mary Freeman moved here in 1844. They were, however, not the first to live here.

They bought their home from James Lynam, who bought the land in 1820 from William Marshall and did fine carpentry and carriage-making. James married Hannah Starratt in 1814. John and Hannah (Bancroft) were surely glad to have their daughter Hannah near; in April 1807, they lost two sons in a cave-in. Others moved away. The Lynams were active in village affairs, and James was one of eleven men, including a Balcom, Marshall, Leonard, Longley, and three Starratts, who formed a joint-stock company to build a new school around 1835. But soon after, the Lynams moved away.

Thomas and Mary probably lived in the old Lynam house, but in 1876, their son David and Antionette built this Gothic Revival home. They needed the space; they were caring for Mary, and baby Aubrey was born that year. And they could afford it now. While farming was hard work, it brought prosperity. The rich produce of our orchards and fields could be shipped by sail or steam as far away as England. The railway brought even more benefit. Like many other homes in Paradise, a “Second House” replaced the simpler homestead. The lumber was readily available, and carpenters were skilled. In 1881 eight-year-old Wilfred drowned, and in time the farm passed to his younger brother, Aubrey, and his wife Winnifred. When little Wilfred’s tombstone broke, the family replaced it and kept the broken stone in a barn. Who could throw it away?

In 1959 George and Winnie (Ritchie), with their son Peter, moved here, and one day, found Wilfred’s broken tombstone in their barn. Few other reminders of the Freemans exist; the Victorian character of the home gave way to enthusiastic renovation. George and Winnie were active; Winnie, a fine nurse, was a true community force! In her church, Women’s Institute, Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and all good causes, she gave help and hope to many. She welcomed newcomers and sent cheer to the sick. An inveterate collector of dolls, she held a “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” here every year, to raise funds for the Cancer Society. This house holds so many stories of struggle, mutual care and kindness.