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Honolulu House - Marshall Michigan
This
unique structure was built in 1860 as a private residence for Judge
Abner Pratt upon his return from the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands where
he served as U.S. Consul. The house is said to resemble the Executive
Mansion he occupied while serving in Honolulu from 1857 to 1859.
A wonderful blend of Italianate, Gothic Revival and Polynesian influence, the Honolulu House is built of Marshall sandstone and faced with vertical board and battens. Originally two bedroom wings extended from the rear of the home, but were removed sometime after 1912.
The house was occupied by several residents until 1951 when Mr. Harold Brooks acquired the property to protect it from being replaced by a gas station. Mr. Brooks maintained the property for eleven years. In 1962, the Marshall Historical Society successfully raised funds needed to purchase the structure.
The Honolulu House is now the home of the Marshall Historical Society. The wall and ceiling paintings, carpets and furniture have all been carefully researched to recreate its 1880's splendor. Exterior repair and replacement of moldings, railings, spindles, and stairs is continually being done to restore and preserve the structure. It is maintained by the society as a historical museum.
The building is listed on the Historical American Buildings Survey and the National Register of Historic Places
Honolulu House Museum
Marshall Historical Society
107 N. Kalamazoo Avenue
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269)781-8544
Fax: (269)789-0371