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About

As the last Victorian era home on East Kearsley Street, Whaley House Museum remains as a visible link to Flint's past. Since the home was constructed, the city has evolved from a small lumbering town to one of the world's leading industrial centers to its present incarnation as a regional leader in higher education.

In 1884 and 1885, Robert and Mary Whaley constructed their residence on East Kearsley Street, a place they would call home for forty years. Other family members that lived in the house included Florence, Robert and Mary's only daughter; Robert Whaley Orrell, Florence's son and the Whaleys' only grandchild; and Laura, Robert Whaley's half-sister. Over the years the various domestics and coachmen that made life more comfortable for the Whaleys lived here as well.

Robert and Mary were very prominent in their community. For over forty years, Robert was the president of Citizens Bank. During his tenure, he issued a $2,000 loan to William C. Durant and J. Dallas Dort that eventually led to the creation of General Motors. As a member of one of Flint's founding families, Mary was active in a number of civic organizations in addition to her duties of running a household.

Today, the Whaleys are remembered for their generosity. Robert established the Whaley Children's Center and Mary founded the McFarlan Home for Women. She also donated numerous acres of land to the city for the creation of parks and paid for the construction of the Five Sisters Chapel at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

But that is just part of their story . . .

 

Whaley Historical House Association

During the United States' Bicentennial, seven community organizations joined together to form the Whaley Historical House Association.  The Whaley Historical House Association’s purpose is to preserve the Whaley House Museum and promote the legacy of the Whaley family.

 

The Whaley Historical House Association is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

 

 

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