Advent Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Advent Historic District
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| Location | Roughly bounded by N. Washington Ave., Champion St., Hubbard St. and Greenwood Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan |
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| Area | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Architect | Alexander W. Bartholomew, Et al. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Bungalow, American Foursquare, American Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000623 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1994 |
The Advent Historic District is a special neighborhood in Battle Creek, Michigan. It's a historic area with many old homes. This district was once the center of a small village called Washington Heights. It grew because of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The area became part of Battle Creek in 1926. It was officially recognized as a historic place in 1994.
How the Advent Historic District Started
The first European settler in this area was Elias Manchester. He came from New York state in 1836. He built a log cabin and later a brick house. This house was at what is now North Washington Avenue and Manchester Street. Elias Manchester divided part of his land into 66 plots. These plots were called "Manchester's Addition."
In 1852, a lawyer named Benjamin F. Graves bought the rest of Manchester's farm. He later became a judge on the Michigan Supreme Court. Around the same time, James Springer White and his wife Ellen G. White moved the main office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to Battle Creek. Many important Adventists, including the Whites, lived in this area.
In 1889, Benjamin F. Graves also divided his land into plots. He created 124 plots called "Graves's Addition." He later added 94 more plots. The Manchester and Graves Additions together form the Advent Historic District.
Growth and Change in the Neighborhood
During the 1800s, more and more Adventists moved to the area. By 1900, over 2,000 Adventists lived in or near the district. However, the church began to spread its activities to other towns. As the 1900s went on, fewer Adventists lived in the neighborhood.
What the District Looks Like Today
The Advent Historic District has an interesting shape. It covers several blocks that were once the village of Washington Heights. There are 181 homes in the district. About 173 of these homes help show the neighborhood's history. Most of these houses were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The homes in the district show different building styles. You can see Colonial Revival and American Foursquare homes made of brick and stucco. There are also Bungalows covered in wood siding. You can also find stylish American Craftsman houses. Most of these homes were built for one family. Some have since been changed into apartments for several families.
