Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Honolulu House

March 8, 2010

1. Honolulu House Marker

Inscription.

Abner Pratt settled in Marshall in 1839 and in the 1850s became Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. In 1857-59 he was United States Consul to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands. Returning home, he built this house in 1860 to recreate the island atmosphere. Teak and ebony were used, and murals on the walls depicted tropical plants and animals. In 1887 the interior was changed but the opulent style of the exterior, unique in the Midwest, has survived.

Erected 1972 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 42.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 42° 16.359′ N, 84° 57.861′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is on North Kalamazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 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. Isaac E. Crary House (within shouting distance of this marker); Marshall Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Tree Memorial (within

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shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Marshall Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); First Courthouse / Brooks Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); John D. Pierce Homesite (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.

Also see . . . Honolulu House Museum. (Submitted on March 11, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Honolulu House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, May 31, 2023

2. Honolulu House and Marker

The Honolulu House is now surrounded by a white picket fence. The marker has been moved several feet south of its original location.

March 8, 2010

3. Honolulu House Marker

March 8, 2010

4. Honolulu House Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, February 12, 2023

5. Honolulu House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,150 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 8, 2010. 2. submitted on June 13, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2010. 5. submitted on February 16, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.