The southwest wing of this simple house is Robert Nelles original log home. Colonel Robert Nelles was an important figure in the War of 1812 and was one of Grimsby's founding fathers. The house was built in 1787 as a temporary residence while the Manor (Nelles Manor) was being constructed across the road. The house was used as barracks during the war of 1812, and had a prison cell in the basement.

This Georgian style house became the residence of Robert's eldest son Henry. In 1852 the house was sold to Dr. William Fitch whose son "Doc" Fitch was a town character and renowned cricketer.

The Grimsby Historical Society, archives and brochures (call for availability), are located at the Carnegie Commons Building. They are available by phone or for a visit on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am - 12 noon or by appointment.

The property was designated by the Town of Grimsby as being architecturally and/or historically significant.

"The Nelles-Fitch House was built in 1791 by Robert Nelles. This house is a fine example of a structure built in the early Georgian style. It was built in two components; the southern wing of the home, believed to be the original cabin built in1785, while the front addition was added in 1791.The house possesses several unusual features not all of which are necessarily historic features of the original design. Most notable among them I the protruding fireplace to the rear of the house and the hooded chimneys which are capped with unusual brick oval vaults, a more recent addition. The one-and-a-half storey house is of timber construction with a low coursed ash and rubble foundation, typical of the era. The plan of the house is symmetrical around the front door which serves as the focal point to the entire house." Grimsby Character Study by Alexander Temporale and Associates Inc. Architectural Significance. Pages 6.4

Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee (GHAC). The Nelles Heritage Driving Tour. Brochure available on line, or at the Grimsby Historical Society.

Collins,Gilbert. Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812. Toronto, Ontario: Dundern Group, 2006. Pg. 152

Dundern Press book review for Gibert Collin's book

Grimsby Character Study by Alexander Temporale and Associates Inc. Historical Background Page 4.0

Private Residence, not open to the public

Nelles-Fitch House
125 Main Street West
Grimsby, Ontario
L3M 1S1

Grimsby Historical Society, Grimsby Archives
Carnegie Commons Building
25 Adelaide Street
Grimsby, Ontario
L3M 1X2
Tel (905) 309-0796
Email archives@grimsbyhistoricalsociety.com
Website www.grimsbyhistoricalsociety.com