Whaley House Museum
Constructed in the late 1850s, 624 East Kearsley Street as it looked when it was the residence of the Witherbee and Briscoe families before R. J. and Mary Whaley purchased the property.
In 1884, the Whaleys purchased their parcel on East Kearsley Street at the price of $8,000. Nearly a year later the Whaleys moved into their new home. Below is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the October 10, 1885 edition of the Genesee Democrat. Titled "Signs of Prosperity," the article detailed a number of recent construction projects in the City of Flint that included the Whaleys' residence:
R. J. Whaley,
On Kearsley Street East. This is a magnificent residence, and will rank among the elegant homes of the state. It is built of brick and stone, of a mixed style of architecture, and with the accompaniment of the handsome grounds, it presents a very pleasing picture to the eye. The house is three stories in height, and was built under the supervision of Reuben Van Tifflin and A. J. Hall from plans furnished by a leading Detroit architect [George Watkins]. The cost of the residence and carriage house was about $16,000, and it makes an elegant home. The interior finish of the house is exceptionally fine. Mr. Whaley moved into his new house a few days ago.
R. J. and Mary initially intended to only make "improvements" totaling $2,000. After nearly a year and a half of under construction, they ended up spending $16,000 for a new home.
The "Carriage House", mentioned in the 1885 article, was razed in the 1920s.Christmas at Whaley Historic House Museum begins Saturday, December 1st and runs through Tuesday, January 1st. We'll be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. For a full calendar of events, check out the Events section of our website.
Weekend Christmas Activities
December 22nd and 23rd:
- Christmas at Whaley Historic House Museum - 12 pm to 4 pm
- Cookies and Cider
December 29th and 30th
- Christmas at Whaley Historic House Museum - 12 pm to 4 pm
- Cookies and Cider
January 1st
- New Years Calling Day - 12 pm to 3 pm
- Cookies and Cider
- (Free Admission Day Sponsored by Gleaner Life Insurance Society. Pass required. To receive your free pass, email 1885@WhaleyHouse.com. Maximum of four free passes per email address.)
- Michigan Lone Wolverine Exhibit Presented by the Michigan DNR
April 8th through April 21st.
- Free with WHHM admission.
For more information, visit the Michigan DNR.
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