Welcome to the Abel Brockway House in Saginaw, Michigan, a site steeped in history and intrigue. This stately home, located on Brockway Street, has witnessed over a century of transformation and holds stories that reflect the evolution of Saginaw itself.
The story begins with Abel Brockway, born in 1818, who arrived in Saginaw in 1856. A visionary businessman, Brockway seized the opportunities presented by the burgeoning industries of his time, investing in lumbering, railroads, and banking. In 1859, he acquired a vast tract of farmland and, by 1864, constructed the original Greek Revival section of what we now know as the Abel Brockway House.
Brockway lived here until his passing in 1886. The house then passed to his daughter, Mary, who, due to her affluent circumstances, had no need for the property. She generously donated portions of the land to the city and sold off the remaining lots, contributing to the development of Saginaw.
The next significant chapter in the house’s history came in the 1920s when Harker Jackson purchased the property. An architect and an artist, Jackson expanded the house, adding Colonial Revival wings and a front portico, incorporating columns from one of the city’s earliest medical facilities. This blend of architectural styles gives the house its unique character today.
In recent years, the Abel Brockway House has gained notoriety as a site of paranormal activity. It was featured in the local movie series ‘Haunted Saginaw,’ particularly in the installment ‘A Haunting on Brockway Street.’ The film documents investigations into the reported hauntings, adding a layer of mystery to its historical significance.
The Abel Brockway House not only tells the story of one man’s impact on Saginaw but also serves as a testament to the city’s growth from a lumbering hub to an industrial center. As you stand before this historic home, you’re not just looking at a piece of architecture but a silent witness to the trials and triumphs of Saginaw’s past.
