Peterborough in Peterborough County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The "Grover-Nicholls" House
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
1. The "Grover-Nichols" House Marker
An outstanding example of Greek revival architecture, modified in the Palladian manner, it was begun about 1847 by P.M. Grover, a well-to-do local merchant. A type of building rare in Ontario, it was probably inspired by a "design for a villa" appearing in Minard Lafever's "Modern Builder's Guide," 1833. The square pillars of this house are a classical Greek feature popular in North America principally because they were less costly to build than round columns. Robert Nicholls acquired the property in 1851, and it remained in his family, distinguished in Peterborough for public service and philanthropy, until 1906. Here, the local Masonic lodge held its meetings in 1849-53 and, in 1950, the Masons purchased this imposing house.
Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board, Department of Public Records and Archives of Ontario.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 44° 18.362′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Kawarthas Northumberland Area and in Eastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains / La cathedrale de St. Peter-in-Chains (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Sandford Fleming (about 180 meters away); The Hutchison House 1837 (about 180 meters away); The Brock Street Burial (approx. half a kilometer away); The Peterborough
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 2024
2. The "Grover-Nicholls" House Marker
Looking northwest; the "Grover-Nicholls" house is in the background.
More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same English inscription.
Regarding The "Grover-Nicholls" House. Listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, (1977/06/06). Key elements of the Greek Revival style embodied in the Grover-Nicholls House include:
-the pedimented front portico with four square columns
-the symmetrical 'temple with wings' form
-the quarried stonework of the main house and wings
-the original six over six and French windows
-the gable end roof of the main house
Also see . . . Grover-Nicholls House (Canadian Register of Historic Places).
Excerpt: The Grover-Nicholls house is a two storey stone Greek Revival structure located several blocks from the downtown business district. It has been recognized for its heritage value by the City of Peterborough Bylaw 1977-78. It was also designated by the Archaeological and(Submitted on November 13, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Historic Sites Board of Ontario in 1971. The heritage value of the Grover-Nicholls House lies in it being an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture modified in the Palladian manner. This style of building, which includes porticos, pediments and columns, is rare for the Peterborough area.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 1, 20243. The "Grover-Nicholls" House (east/front elevation)
The Grover-Nicholls House is also important because of its association with the Masonic Order and two of Peterborough's most noteworthy families, the Nicholls and the Hamiltons. Built in 1846 by Peregrine Grover, a Member of Parliament and County Warden, the Grover-Nicholls House quickly became the meeting place for the first Masonic Lodge in Peterborough. Meetings were held from 1849 until 1853, when Robert and Charlotte Nicholls moved into the house and added the 2 side wings and front portico. Charlotte Nicholls, Peterborough's best-known benefactress, occupied the house until her death in 1906, and William Hamilton, local businessman and owner of the Hamilton Foundry, then bought the property. In 1950, the building was sold to the Masonic Order of Peterborough.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 12, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
