Circle Michigan 2023 - 44

[SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN]
Honolulu House Museum
blends Italianate, Gothic
Revival, and Polynesian
architecture.
Stonehall was built in 1837-38 for the
first doctor in Calhoun County; Bottom:
Brooks Memorial Fountain is located
in the center of Marshall.
A Rich Heritage
Marshall embraces its historic past
by JACKIE SHECKLER FINCH
S
trolling along tree-lined streets and admiring historic
homes, I can easily understand why people
fall in love with the charming city of Marshall.
With an impressive 845 buildings in the nation's
largest National Historic Landmark District in the Small Urban
category, the city warms my heart with its impeccable historical
preservation and restoration.
" Marshall is very proud of our history, eight museums, and
historic buildings, " says Kimber Thompson, director of tourism
for Choose Marshall. " The Choose Marshall Welcome Center has
developed many walking tours that can be enjoyed while in town
or even virtually from our website. "
For starters, one of the most unusual examples of architecture
that I have seen in America is the Honolulu House. Built in 1860
by Abner Pratt, U.S. Council to the Sandwich Islands (now called
Hawaii) under President James Buchanan, the home pairs Pratt's
favorite Polynesian influences from Hawaii with the classic Italianate
and Gothic Revival architecture that is common in Marshall.
A true tropical touch, the Honolulu House has a sweeping circular
42 | CIRCLE MICHIGAN PREMIER GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE
staircase made of ebony, teak, mahogany, and maple, as well as
wall murals depicting Hawaiian flora and fauna. The stairs rise
to an observation platform more than 31 feet above. In Hawaii,
I can imagine how the platform would have provided a striking
view of the ocean. In Marshall, the rooftop overlooks Courthouse
Square and Pratt's daughter's home, which was located directly
across the street.
A fascinating tidbit I learned while touring the Governor's
Mansion Museum was that Marshall once hoped to become Michigan's
capital. Marshallite James Wright Gordon, who became state
governor in 1841, built a Greek Revival-inspired mansion for the
official state capital residence of the Michigan's chief executive.
However, the home was never occupied by a governor because
Lansing was chosen as state capital in 1847.
As a fine end to my day, I hopped on a trolley for a complimentary
ride offered every Friday and Saturday night from 5 to
11 p.m. by the Marshall Trolley Co. The 13-seat trolley has eight
stops on an hourlong ride. I rode the entire loop to get a better
look at Marshall and savor the lovely sights.
PHOTOS CHOOSE MARSHALL
Circle Michigan 2023

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