Historic Districts -
Whaley House
The central portion of this
handsome Victorian home w as
built in the late 1850s. Several prominent Flint families lived in
it before Robert J. Whaley purchased it in 1884. Whaley a local
lumberman and banker, remodeled the house extensively. Three bays,
the library alcove and a west-end addition were among the exterior
changes. The interior was enhanced by adding ornate woodwork and
colorful tiled fireplaces. In 1925, Whaley's wife endowed the house,
making it a home for elderly women. In 1975 it became a public
museum.
Robert J. Whaley was born in Castile, New York, in 1840. He moved to
Wisconsin with his family in the 1840s, then returned to New York.
There he met and married Mary McFarlan of Flint. Whaley and his
bride moved to Flint in 1867. Here, he joined his father-in-law in
lumbering and later banking. He purchased this gracious structure in
1884. Serving as president of Flint's Citizens Bank for forty-one
years, Whaley was also a trustee for the Michigan Charitable
Schools, a Mason, an Elk and a 1912 Democratic candidate for state
treasurer. He died in 1922.
Registered Site L0502
Erected 1982
Location: 624 East Kearsley
Flint, Genesee County
|
