Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Harold C. Brooks / Fitch-Gorham-Brooks House
Harold C. Brooks
Harold Craig Brooks (1885-1978) was Marshall's mayor from 1925 to 1931, patron, and philanthropist. His interest in city beautification set a standard for preservation and adaptive use as early as 1921. He owned and protected more than a dozen Marshall buildings. Brooks is responsible for the design of the Marshall Post Office, the conversion of the Old Stone Barn in Town Hall, and presentation of the Brooks Memorial Fountain to the city. He donated land for veterans, the airport, recreational uses, and funds for education and hospital facilities.
Fitch-Gorham-Brooks House
Built by Jabez S. Fitch in 1840, this handsome residence became the home of Charles T. Gorham, prominent Marshall citizen, in 1848. Harold C. Brooks purchased the house in 1921 and contracted with landscape architect Jens Jensen to design the grounds. The Reverend John D. Pierce and Isaac E. Crary planned the Michigan public school system in 1834 under the oak now by the west entrance. This Greek Revival structure with five-column arrangement and side entrances reflects the New York heritage of the this city's early settlers.
Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number 512.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 42° 16.454′ N, 84° 57.827′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is on West Prospect Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 North Kalamazoo Avenue, 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. Mary Miller / Hillside (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John D. Pierce Homesite (about 400 feet away); Isaac E. Crary House (about 600 feet away); Honolulu House (about 600 feet away); Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); Liberty Tree Memorial (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,405 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on June 11, 2023. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2010. 3, 4. submitted on June 11, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 5. submitted on March 8, 2010. 6. submitted on June 11, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 7. submitted on March 8, 2010. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.