What if I told you that this building before us played a part in pancake history? This is Stratton House. It has witnessed generations of family life and a dash of culinary innovation.
Let’s step back to the late 1890s when this house was originally built. While its early history remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, we do know that David French owned it in 1903.
David French was a key figure in the Stratton family narrative. He was the father-in-law of Charles Stratton. Charles was the brother of John Stratton. John was the visionary behind Stratton Flour Mill. Sadly John died of typhoid fever before his mill was completed. But his brother Charles and their brother-in-law Joseph Branson ensured its completion in 1878.
Now, fast forward to 1903. John Stratton’s son George bought Stratton House from David French’s estate. George was only two years old when his father John passed away. It is interesting to remember that David French was his Uncle Charles’ father-in-law.
George and his wife Melva moved into Stratton House. They had been living in William and Dorothy Ashton’s home. Dorothy was George’s mother who had remarried after John’s death. The Ashton home offered a view of Flushing and Stratton Flour Mill.
Stratton House soon became a lively family hub. George and Melva raised their five sons here. The house also served as George’s home office. He managed much of his mill correspondence from here using a once-modern typewriter.
But here’s the tasty part of the story. It was within these very walls that George Stratton developed his famous self-rising pancake flour. Can you imagine the aroma of pancakes wafting through the house? The kitchen of Stratton House was where the magic happened. The recipe was tested and perfected right here. The quality of the mill flour was also continuously tested in countless baked goods.
Beneath Stratton House lies another hidden piece of history. In 1877 or 1878 a single-track railroad tunnel was constructed under the property. Stone removed during the tunnel’s construction was used to build Stratton Flour Mill. Later George sold rights for a second double-track tunnel which also ran under the house. Imagine trains rumbling beneath your feet as you sit down for breakfast.
From 1903 to the present day Stratton House has remained within the Stratton family. George and Melva’s son William continued to live here. William helped his father at Stratton Flour Mill. He even ran the mill for several years after his father’s death.
In 1989 Mary Ellen Wall purchased Stratton House from William Stratton’s estate. Mary Ellen is a granddaughter of George Stratton. Over the years the house has been remodeled and restored by Lewis Stratton. Lewis is also a grandson of George Stratton and brother of Mary Ellen.
During renovations many family artifacts and documents were discovered. Trunks filled with family correspondence were found in the attic. These offered a glimpse into the daily lives and special events of the Stratton family.
As you stand here think about the Stratton family. They lived laughed and even invented a pancake empire within these walls. Stratton House stands as a testament to their legacy. It shows their contributions to the community and to breakfast tables everywhere.