The History of Freestones

The building that now houses Freestone's Restaurant and Bar, was originally built as the Citizen's National Bank, in 1877. It was part of the Robeson Business Block that included all of the buildings on William Street, from Acushnet Avenue to North Second Street. It is believed that The Citizen's National Bank building and the building next door, which is now owned by Carter's clothing, were identical, and both were owned by banks, a sign of prosperity that flourished back in the 1800's. The Citizen's National Bank furnished their building with a beautiful marble floor, and an elegant president's office, where there still stands a fireplace and mantle that encompasses a whole wall. Across the room from the mantle, is a mural that was added in either 1892 or 1942. The bank is also responsible for the freestone addition to the facade of the building (the rectangular handcut bricks on the outside of the building, known as Longmeadow freestones), thus came the inspiration for the name, Freestone's.

The front desk was originally a pulpit from the Old North Congregational Church, formerly located on Elm Street near the Post Office; the oak panels surrounding the conversation bar and framing the pulpit are also from the same church.

The building experienced two fires, the first in 1934, when the New Bedford Acushnet Cooperative Bank inhabited the building, destroying the third floor. The second fire was in 1951, when in the hands of Haskell's (a local bar and restaurant with legendary "flavor"). The fire, caused by a burning cigarette, after closing, left scorches on the rear pillars in the main dining room, which can still be seen today. Haskell's continued to operate as a restaurant and bar for a while, and eventually became the Pequod Lounge.

The former owners, Kerry Mitchell and Debby Seguin, purchased the building in 1978. During five months of renovations, family and friends uncovered almost all of what you now see as Freestone's. They owned and operated Freestones for nearly twenty-seven years and made Freestones what it is today.

The new owners Jack and Tiffany Wetherbee and Russell and Joanne Kandalaft bought Freestones in February 2006 with the goal of enhancing a notable New Bedford landmark. The new owners have spent time refurbishing the dining room, bar, and kitchens. Along with the physical improvements, the new owners have enlarged the menu to encompass the flavors that are New Bedford. Fresh seafood such as scallops and cod right off the dock or our delicious lobster roll. We also have several hand cut beef entrees, a variety of chicken selections, great appetizers and a children's menu.

Freestones is often called the "Cheers" of New Bedford where family and friends can meet at our unique copper top bar. Relax with one of our oversized martinis or margaritas or enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room. We can also accomodate up to thirty people for a private function in the President's Room.

Aside from the beautifully restored building, Freestones is decorated with many pieces of comtemporary art. Look for these when you visit:

  • Lighting - all fixtures designed by Dennis Sparling of Vermont
  • Brass Monkey - Sergio Bustamente of Mexico
  • Painted Bird (mousebird) - Sergio Bustamente of Mexico
  • Watercolors (iris) - Regan Malone of Western Massachusetts
  • Shirt Painting - Dick Doherty
  • Flowers and Mirror - Robin Taffler
  • Fish Glass Panels - Kéké Cribb
  • Quilt with Fish - Neisja Yenawine
  • Bartender - Leroy Nieman
  • Stained Glass Mirror - Seth Cohen of Cape Cod
  • Ship Model 'Neptune's Car" - Jim and Lynne Plante

Freestones is located in Historic Customs House Square. The Customs House is the oldest working Customs house in the country, the Old Bank Building was originally built for that bank, and painstakingly restored during 1979-1980. The Robeson building located diagonally from Freestone's was moved to that site from diagonally in back of this building (a story within itself)!! Our working waterfront is one of our greatest treasures, along with the New Bedford Whaling Museum, a must see during your visit to New Bedford.