Robert M. and Matilda (Kitch) Grindley House

Infobox_nrhp | name =Robert M. and Matilda (Kitch) Grindley House
nrhp_type =

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caption = Parking lot where this building once stood
location= Detroit, Michigan
lat_degrees = 42
lat_minutes = 20
lat_seconds = 51
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 83
long_minutes = 3
long_seconds = 39
long_direction = W
locmapin = Michigan
area =
architect= Putnam and Moore
architecture= Colonial Revival
added = December 01, 1997
governing_body = Private
mpsub=Cass Farm MPS
refnum=97001475cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2008-04-15|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

The Robert M. and Matilda (Kitch) Grindley House was a private residence located at 123 Parsons in Detroit, Michigan. It has been demolished.

Significance

The Robert and Matilda Kitch Grindley House was constructed in 1897 as a single-family dwelling for the Grindley family. [http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/24536.htm Grindley, Robert M. and Matilda Kitch, House] from the state of Michigan] The house is significant because of its association with the Grindley family. Three of the Grindleys (Robert McBride, Sarah, and Joseph) made significant contributions to the surrounding community, including participating in various churches and in the social development of local youth.

Robert McBride Grindley married Matilda Kitch in 1891. [http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/historic/districts/grindley_hse.pdf Robert M. and Matilda Grindley House] from the city of Detroit] Robert was president of City & Suburban Homes Company, Ltd., and was involved in much of the subdivision of what is now Detroit's western and northwestern sections. The company helped manufacturers locate plant sites, found temporary and permanent homes for their workers, and pioneered and an easy payment plan, enabling hundreds of people to buy their own homes. Robert was also a key influence in the establishment of the Boys Club of Detroit and was a Charter Member of the Detroit Board of Commerce. He died in 1946.

Sarah A. Grindley opened several Sunday schools and a camp, and was godmother to many children whose fathers were factory workers. She died in 1945. Joseph Grindley was known as a philanthropist; he founded a camp for under-privileged children and worked with a number of children's clubs. When Joseph died in 1961, the Grindley home was sold out of the family.

Description

The house was a two and one-half story brick building, built in a Colonial Revival style with Classical detailing. The large gable on the front facade was covered in slate, and embellished with console brackets, scalloped trim, a carved oculus encircled by a frame and voussoirs, and a large two-part lattice window. The window originally was contained in an ornate surround, with a sill supported by modillions, colonettes, and a lintel with carved swags topped with a shell motif. Side dormers with a central lunette, also faced with slate, crossed the slate roof.

References