Sara Nixon – Community Engagement Manager – The Brown Homestead

Topic: The Brown Homestead History

Brown Homestead’s history began with Loyalist settlers

Hugh Gaylor introduced guest speaker, Sara Nixon, Director of Community Engagement for The Brown Homestead.  Sara grew up in Grimsby fascinated with the local history that surrounded her. She earned a Master’s degree in Public History from Carleton University and has been involved in museum and heritage history for the past 15 years.

Sara said that the oldest part of the Brown house, built in 1796, is the oldest house in St. Catharines.

John Brown, a United Empire Loyalist, came to Niagara in 1783 arriving at Fort Niagara. Brown, along with other Loyalists, received land grants from the British Government in recognition of their role in the American Revolution and settled with his family in the Short Hills area where he was given 700 acres. He first built a log cabin before building a l-1/2 storey stone home for his large family on the property on Pelham Road which at the time was a stagecoach route. A large Georgian style addition was added in 1802.

Before he died in 1804, John Brown owned a total of 900 acres and had cleared land to create a productive farm.

When John died, his son Adam took possession and converted the home into an inn and tavern as well as his home and it became a hub of community activity. When Adam died in 1851, his son sold the property to Joseph Chellew who had 11 children and who made a number of changes to the building including adding a Victorian style porch across the front of the house.

Chellew also expanded the farm operation and added several outbuildings including a barn and dairy house.

The next owner was LaFontaine Powers, who purchased the property in 1912 and added some modern conveniences. In 1979 Jon Jouppin purchased the home with the idea of restoring it to its original character. Since 2015, it has been owned by the John Brown Heritage Foundation which was founded by descendants of the original homesteaders. In 2021 the name was changed to The Brown Homestead.

Sara illustrated some of the restoration work that continues on the house. Removal of layers and layers of wallpaper has revealed original stencils on the walls and floors which have been hand traced and replicated.

Sara said that the foundation has further plans to develop the property and is always looking for volunteers to assist with the many projects still in the works.

Duncan thanked Sara for her informative talk and said a donation will be forwarded to the Foundation.

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