14
Portrait of Mary Davis Gage1851
15
Mary Davis Gage was the mother of ten children. In the portrait of Mary Gage, which hangs in the main hallway of Battlefield House Museum, it is believed that she is holding a bible. James and his family had been converted to Methodism by Reverend James Coleman, one of the first circuit riders.16
The Westbrook family reunion, where the family tree was unveiled.1 July 1909
Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek, Ontario
17
Elizabeth married Major John Westbrook. After their union they settled in Brant County and Elizabeth bore 16 children. Two of the children (both named after John) died at a very young age.18
On June 5, 1813, 3,000 American soldiers occupied the Gage home and property. The Gage family, which consisted of Mary Davis Gage, Mary Jones Gage, and eight children at the time, were held in the cellar by the Americans.According to family legend, James, along with several other adult males living in the area, were locked up in an outbuilding on the property during the American occupation.
19
Opening of Stoney Creek Battlefield Park on October 21, 1899.21 October 1899
Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek, Ontario
20
Eighty six years after the Americans occupied the Gage home, the house was in a poor state of repair. Believing that the house could be preserved as a museum and social club of sorts, Sarah Calder (a granddaughter of James and Mary Gage) and the Women's Wentworth Historical Society, had the foresight to purchase this ancestral home. The Women's Wentworth Historical Society, of which Sarah was the first President, purchased the home from the Fletcher family in 1899 for $1900 and not long after the ladies' vision was realized.21
Queen Elizabeth at Battlefield House Museum during her Royal Tour in 1959.2 July 1959
22
Since its opening as a museum and park, the former Gage Family Homestead has seen its fair share of visitors and special events. Some of these events include: the unveiling of the Monument in 1913, a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 1959, a visit from Lester B. Pearson in 1963, and an annual reenactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek.23
Come along on a tour of the house as it looks today.24
The front hallway in Battlefield House Museum.1994
25
A view of the front hallway from the rear or north side of the house can be seen in this image. It is believed that when the Gage House was originally built, there was a road running to the south of the house that no longer exists. Today, the back of the house faces King Street and is often confused for the front.26
Stenciled design that was recreated on the hallway walls of the Battlefield House Museum.2003
Battlefield House Museum
27
The front hallway of Battlefield House Museum boasts some of the original stenciling that covered the walls in the 1830s. This stenciling was uncovered during a restoration in the 1970s and is preserved behind a sheet of plexiglass today. The stenciling, which is rare in early Ontario houses, has been reproduced throughout the front and second floor hallways.In the 19th century, when imported wallpaper would have been expensive, a stenciler would have traveled from house to house with several stencils. Upon entering a house where stenciling was wanted, the stenciler came to an agreement with the owner wherein he would often decorate the home in exchange for food and lodging.
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