Old Wing Mission facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Wing Mission
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5298 147th Ave., Holland, Michigan |
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| Area | 2.3 acres (0.93 ha) |
| Built | 1844 |
| Built by | Isaac Fairbanks, et al. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001551 |
| Added to NRHP | August 13, 1986 |
The Old Wing Mission (also known as the Old Wing Inn) is a historic building located at 5298 147th Avenue in Holland, Michigan. It is the oldest house still standing in the township, making it a special part of local history.
Contents
History of the Old Wing Mission
Early Days and the Mission
In 1839, a minister named Reverend George Smith came from Vermont. He started a Christian mission here for the local Ottawas, who are a Native American tribe. The Presbyterian Church of Michigan helped fund this mission. Reverend Smith first built a simple log cabin for his family nearby.
A few years later, in 1844, a local settler named Isaac Fairbanks began building the house we see today for Reverend Smith. Smith and his family moved into their new home in 1846.
Moving the Mission and New Owners
In 1848, a sickness called smallpox spread across Michigan. It affected many people, including the community around the mission. Because many new settlers were also moving into the area, Chief Peter Waukazoo and Reverend George Smith decided to move the Ottawa Mission. They traveled by boats and canoes from Holland up to Northport, which is on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Reverend Smith left the house behind. A few years later, Isaac Fairbanks bought it. Isaac eventually moved into a brick house nearby. In 1886, Isaac's oldest son, Albert Fairbanks, moved into the Old Wing Mission house. He added a new section, or "wing," to the house. He added another wing around 1914.
Later Years and the Old Wing Inn
Albert Fairbanks lived in the house until he passed away in 1914. His son, Austin Fairbanks, then lived there until 1950. After Austin, the house was sold to Andrew Vinstra, who updated the inside.
Later, the house became a bed and breakfast, which is a place where people can stay overnight and get breakfast. It was known as the Old Wing Inn. In 1986, this important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a place with special historical value. In 2003, Robert and Carole Pavloski bought the house.
What the Old Wing Mission Looks Like
The Old Wing Mission is a 1-1/2 story house built in the Greek Revival style. This style often looks like ancient Greek temples with columns and simple, strong shapes. The house has extra sections, or additions, on three sides.
Inside the House
The original part of the house was rectangular. It had a living room (called a parlor), a bedroom, and a kitchen on the first floor. Upstairs, there were three more bedrooms.
When the first addition was built around 1886, the old kitchen became a dining room. The new addition held a new kitchen, a living room, and another bedroom. Around 1903, another addition was built. This new part had an office and a utility room, and it also made the dining room bigger. In 1953, the 1886 addition was even turned into a separate apartment.
