How the 1860 Honolulu House in Marshall Got Its Name
One of Marshall, Michigan’s proudest possessions is the Honolulu House, located at 107 North Kalamazoo Avenue.
It was built in 1860 and originally owned by Abner Pratt, who was once a chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
The structure was given the nickname ‘Honolulu House’ due to Pratt’s earlier years living in Hawaii before he moved to Marshall. He also had tenure as a United States Consul to Hawaii when James Buchanan was president.
His love for Hawaii was reflected not only in his new home in Marshall, but also the land surrounding it. The wraparound porch mirrored the Hawaiian 'Iolani Palace, and walls were painted with Hawaiian landscapes.
Pratt was not able to fully enjoy his new home. In 1863 after only three years in the house, he passed away of pneumonia.
After threats of demolition during the 1950s, the house has been overseen and taken care of by the Marshall Historical Society since 1961, turning it into a museum for the public to enjoy, from April to December each year.
Go see for yourself!
