Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jeremiah Cronin Jr. House / John Bellairs
Jeremiah Cronin Jr. House
This picturesque residence was erected in 1872 for Marshall merchant Jeremiah Cronin, Jr., and his wife, Susan. Local contractor Frederick N. Church constructed this house, as well as Cronin’s 1869 Michigan Avenue commercial block. On September 5, 1872, the Calhoun County Patriot and Democratic Expounder predicted that the house would be the “most stylish” in the city. The Italian villa reflects the Cronin family’s standing in the community. When Jeremiah died in 1889, Susan took over the business as the S. E. Cronin Store. Their son Jay became manager in 1907. By then, the Cronins were operating clothing, grocery and shoe stores and a bakery. Jay Cronin’s daughters operated the business until 1974.
John Bellairs
This house was built in 1872 for Jeremiah and Susan Cronin. One hundred years later it provided the setting for The House with a Clock in Its Walls, a teenage mystery novel written by Marshall native John Bellairs. Bellairs (1938-1991) was born in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School. After earning degrees from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, he taught writing at several colleges and authored eighteen books, mostly for children. From 1973 to 1976 he wrote three books with Marshall settings. When explaining why he wrote for children, Bellairs noted: “In my imagination I repeatedly walk up and down the streets of the beautiful old Michigan town where I grew up. It is full of Victorian mansions and history, and it would work on the creative mind of any kid.”
Erected 1992 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1859.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 42° 16.628′ N, 84° 57.479′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is on North Madison Street, 0.1 miles south of Forest Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 N Madison St, Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Trinity Episcopal Church / Montgomery Schuyler (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mansion St. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mary Miller / Hillside (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brewer Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sam Hill House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pioneer School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Opal Beck (approx. 0.3 miles away); Thomas J. O'Brien (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on June 11, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 3. submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on June 11, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 5. submitted on July 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.