It is significant for its association with the Eldridge family, who were major landowners in South Chatham and promoted its development.

[1] The Kelley House is on the north side of Main Street (Massachusetts Route 28) in the village of South Chatham, just east of its junction with Morton Road.

The entry is sheltered by a hip-roofed scrolled hood with paired Italianate brackets, details also found on the bay window.

Mercelia Eldridge's father Levi operated a number of businesses on the cape, was a bank president and Chatham town selectman, and held other prominent local posts.

These same painted wood finishes (probably by the same artist) are in the interior of the Captain Penniman House[3] that was initially decorated and completed in 1868.