Historic Sites of Manitoba: Nelson Concrete House (Municipality of North Norfolk)

This two-storey, concrete-block house northwest of Austin, in the Municipality of North Norfolk, was probably built in the first decade of the 20th century, possibly by local farmer Frank Thomson who was responsible for many of the concrete-block buildings in the area. Purchased in the 1940s by returned war veteran Joe Nelson, it served as the Nelson family home for many years but was abandoned when, in 2011, a suspected arson fire destroyed all but its concrete walls.

Nelson children in front of the Nelson Concrete House (1950s) Source: Leonard Nelson Nelson Concrete House (September 2009) Source: Neil Christoffersen Front side of Nelson Concrete House (October 2012) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Rear side of Nelson Concrete House (October 2012) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Interior of Nelson Concrete House (October 2012) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Southeast side of Nelson Concrete House (March 2021) Source: Rose Kuzina Site Coordinates (lat/long): N50.01963, W99.02808 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

MHS Resources: Manitoba Bricks and Blocks

Memorable Manitobans: Franklin Arthur “Frank” Thomson (1869-1951)

Sources:

We thank Neil Christoffersen, Leonard Nelson, and Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 24 July 2021

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