Honolulu

Marshall, Michigan
Camp Turkeyville RV Resort

This morning was a beautiful day and we took a morning walk on the path to the main buildings of Cornwell's Turkeyville. As it turned out, there was a big group with tables and banners on the left of the buildings.  This turned out to be a chapter of turkey hunters.  They were shooting at some targets and you could smell the cordite from the RV.  It was a family affair as they had a jump house for the kids.  

On the field on the other side of the buildings a flea market was set up.  Everyone seemed very friendly and the prices weren't bad.  We bought some corn that we're hoping tastes at least half as good as the corn John and Gerri Beckman brought us.  Bought a Baldacci book for a quarter and a vase for a quarter.  Last of the big time spenders.

Did I mention that we are staying at Turkeyville?

I had no idea there were so many different kinds of turkeys.

This was a true male turkey, it liked women but didn't care for Bill.

I'm sure this a Michigan turkey.  It's white so it's Michigan camo--it will blend in with the snow and it also has a blue head from the Michigan winters.   

The head really felt strange like touching a string of beads.  
We needed to make a trip to the grocery store and since the nearest one is about 5 miles, we decided to stop at the Honolulu House while we were in town.  

Judge Abner Pratt had the Honolulu House built in 1860 when they returned from the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) for health reasons.  He was a US consul for the Sandwich Islands from 1857 until 1859 and loved the islands.  When he returned to Marshall he wanted a house with the tropical architecture.  He still wore tropical clothing even in the cold Michigan winters.  

Mrs. Pratt died one year after the home was completed and Mr. Pratt died in 1863 from pneumonia which some say he contracted after a ride from Lansing, "wearing tropical clothing in inclement weather."

Charles Cameron purchased the house after Pratt's death.  They occupied the home until 1883.

Marshall Mayor, Martin V "Cap" Wagner, who was very wealthy, purchased the home and completely redecorated it from the tropical theme.  Cap Wagner hired F. A. Grace to redo all the paint in the home.  It took a year to redo the paint, but in one room alone, he used over 150 colors.  He used bright colors and Victorian embellishments.  I wish I could have taken at least one photo of the embellished 15 foot ceilings. 

The chandeliers were very intricate with a story etched in 
the glass.  The locally owned electric company provided electric service only Monday through Friday.  During the weekends, residents had to revert to gas for lights.  

As you entered the home, there was a winding staircase that led to an attic and to a doorway to an observation platform.  There was no second floor to the home but the elaborate staircase made it seem like it led to one.  There were  original 1860 mural paintings and a skylight. 

The basement was much smaller than we expected it to be and the family ate their meals downstairs when they weren't entertaining.  There were two small rooms which would have been the maids quarters.  

If you've ever been to Honolulu, there's a historical home of a famous queen in front of the capitol building.  I can't remember the name of it, but they show a quick shot in the beginning of the TV show, Hawaii Five-O.  This home reminded us of the one in Honolulu.  

 Bill and I both enjoyed the tour, even if we weren't allowed to take photos.  Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us some suggestions of sites to see in the area.  There's always something special about being in a tour by ourselves.  

Turtle Safely......or should I say Turkey Safely?