J. P. Batchelor home

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

"A Handsome Place" was the headline story in the Valley Falls New Era Nov. 25, 1899, featuring the new home of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Batchelor. 

Mr. Batchelor was a prominent businessman and builder in Valley Falls. The story follows:

"This city can now boast of one of the handsomest and most modern residences in this county, setting high on a terraced lot 150 by 300 feet surrounded by large and shapely trees of oak and hard maple, this handsome building with its massive pillars, large porches and many gables, presents a sight that can be referred to as one of the architectural beauties of this section.
"In erecting this handsome home Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Batchelor spared nothing in making it complete in both beauty and convenience. The location of this home is the finest in the city, being several feet above the streets, is slightly rolling, large and convenient to the business center. The visitor upon entering these grounds from the east sees at the first glance the beauties of both the grounds and the buildings. 

"Upon entering the house one is ushered through the tile floored vestibule into the reception hall, where the architectural art is most liberally displayed. This hall is covered with a beautiful shade of blue paper, the mantel is very massive, of pure white to correspond with the other trimmings. The grille work here is copiously displayed which makes a handsome and harmonious appearance. 

"The parlor which is off from this hall to the north is in a delicate shade of tan, while the sitting room on the south of the hall is in maroon and gilt. These rooms are both connected with the reception hall by large folding doors so arranged as to connect them all, forming one large room. Back of the sitting room is the library which is furnished in green, making a soft and agreeable light to the eyes. 

"The dining room, just back of the parlor is very large and is furnished in green and olive. From the dining room the kitchen is connected by a large buttery. The kitchen itself is very large and contains besides the usual pantries all the conveniences necessary in way of hot and cold water, sinks, etc. 

"Upon entering the upper hall from the winding stairway you are first confronted with a Turkish corner. This little nook is the entrance to the first balcony, and will be elaborately decorated in oriental designs, making not only a handsome, but cool and pleasant retreat. 

"On this floor is located on the north, the family chambers and sewing room which is nicely lighted, with natural wood trimmings and blue paper. East of this room and in the front of the building is the guests chamber, a large and handsome room in orange. Mrs. Beland's room, mother of Mrs. Batchelor, is located in the front on the south and is one of the most pleasant and attractive apartments in the house. 

"Mr. Batchelor did not forget his children in planning his house, and both Harold and Inez have pleasant rooms trimmed to suit their tastes, Harold's is in a shade of blue, while Inez' room is her favorite pink. 

"The bath room and lavatory are located on this floor and are fitted with the best sanitary appliances. The garret, or third floor is fitted up for a play house for the children and also contains the servants rooms and entrance to the upper balcony, a place that will be very attractive on warm summer evenings. 

"The house throughout will be heated by the hot water system from the cemented basement, where is also located the gas generating apparatus for lighting. 

"All the rooms on the first floor have cove edge ceilings, distinct trimmings and will be fitted up with furnishings to match. The floors are of hard finish and will be principally covered with rugs. The large bow windows extending to the roof on the north and south together with the large plate windows serve to make a splendidly lighted residence. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor expect to occupy their handsome residence about the first of the year and it is hoped they may live long to enjoy their beautiful hone."

The Batchelor residence, located at 504 Oak Street, is one of the three late 19th century houses pictured on the December page of the 2013 Valley Falls Historical Society calendar.

The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.