- Calhoun County -

Haskell Memorial Home

(Haskell Home for Orphans)

Erected under the auspices of the Seventh Day Adventists' Medical, Missionary & Benevolent Association by Mrs. Caroline E. Haskell of Michigan City, Ind., in memory of her husband, the Hon. Frederick Haskell, at a cost of $50,000. It was dedicated with much fanfare on January 25, 1894, being called the grandest institution in Battle Creek..

The Gothic-style structure was situated on 67 acres on Hubbard street and was designed by architect A. D. Ordway. It was built of Georgia pine and covered with a brick veneer.It's west and south sides were graced by a 14-foot wide veranda. It was built to accommodate 150 children. Aside from usual sleeping quarters, classrooms and dining hall it also had a gymnasium, playrooms, a library and an observatory that overlooked the rivers.

On October 1, 1907, the Haskell Home for Orphans temporarily closed its doors due to "factional differences" of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Followers of that faith withdrew their support and removed their children leaving the classes depleted. The home re-opened the following spring. In the wee hours of February 5, 1909, a fire broke out in the north wing and spread rapidly through the home, burning it to a total loss with a loss of three lives.