Honolulu House - Marshall, Michigan
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GT.US
N 42° 16.357 W 084° 57.861
16T E 667869 N 4682051
The "Honolulu House." was built by Abner Pratt in 1860. He was chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, 1853-1857, and United States Council to Hawaii (1857-1859) under President James Buchanan.
Waymark Code: WMB0P2
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 03/20/2011
Views: 6
The Chamber of commerce website at (
visit link)
"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 1857-59.
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 about 1900.
The house was occupied by several residents until 1951 when Mr. Harold C. 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 the funds needed to purchase it.
The Honolulu House is now the home of the Marshall Historical Society and restoration work is continuous. 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 and is open to the public from May to October.
The building is listed on the Historical American Buildings Survey and the National Register of Historic Places."