About the Chippewa Club & it's History
History of the Building
In 1898, the Chapin Mining Company built a residence at 106 North Carpenter Avenue for General Manager James MacNaughton. In 1901, Otto Conrad Davidson replaced MacNaughton as manager and the home served as his family’s residence until 1935. It stood empty until 1945 when Davidson’s widow sold the home to F. Albee Flodin and Martin D. Thomas.
Flodin and Thomas had a vision for the property. It was to turn the home into a clubhouse, primarily to host visiting businessmen. With assistance from Lake Shore Inc., they watch their vision become a reality.
Renovation materials were in short supply due to World War II so many of the renovations were done using original wood from various parts of the residence. In 1945-1946, the bar was built in what is now the ladies restroom using wood from sliding doors and woodwork from within the house. The kitchen was enlarged and improved to function as a commercial kitchen. The main floor was opened up to create a dining room. In 1947, the remodel was complete and the doors were open business.
The Beginning of the Club
In January 1945, F. Albee Flodin and Martin D. Thomas set out to establish a private club in Iron Mountain to host out-of-town businessmen. They purchased the private residence of Chapin Mining Company Manager Otto Conrad Davidson at 106 North Carpenter Avenue.
The inspiration for the Club was two-fold – replicating an experience Flodin and William Lewis had while on a business trip to Pascagoula, Mississippi and fulfilling a need within the community
In February 1945, a meeting of local leaders was held at the 6-7-8 Club on the top floor of the Commercial Bank to discuss the feasibility of establishing a private club.
On December 11, 1946, the Chippewa Club opened as a non-profit, unincorporated association. By law, this type of association cannot own property. Ownership was transferred to three club members for $10,000 and they were designated as trustees. The Club operated in this manner with various members serving as trustees until 1973 when it became a non-profit corporation
Meet The Team
Simon Poulin
Executive Chef
Michaela Rice
Chef's Assistant
Cameron Kazianka
Front of House
Jaclyn Bal
Chef's Assistant
Christy Miner
Bar Manager
Mark Machus
Chef's Assistant
Founded 1945
Message the Board of Directors
2019 Board of Directors
Carol Quandt, President
Chief Operating Officer, 41 Lumber
Iron Mountain native and 3rd generation Club Member. Graduated from Michigan State’s Eli Broad College of Business. Worked in public accounting before joining the family business in 2011.
Eric Frantz, Director
Retired Foundry Owner
Mechanical engineer with 25 years in paper making industry & 20 years steel foundry ownership. Member since 1996, former BOD member '02-'06. He and his wife, Lana, live in Niagara Township.
Nate Goudreau, Vice President
Chief Risk Officer, First Nat. Bank-IMK
Began working at First National Bank & Trust of IMK in 2012. Spent the previous 25 years with Associated Bank. Nate and his wife, Dolly, have two children and three grandchildren
Erick Hackstock, Treasurer
Controller, Champion, Inc.
Born & raised in St. Clair Shores, graduated from NMU with a BS in Accounting and computer information systems. Moved back and started at Champion in 2004.
Matthew Lutz, Director
Chief Financial Officer, First Nat. Bank-IMK
Born and raised in Iron Mountain. BA in Economics & Management Albion College, Master's in Accounting Marquette University. CPA in Chicago for six years prior to returning home. He and wife, Stacy, have two kids, Luka and Lakelynn.
Mark Klossner, Director
VP of Marketing, BOSS Snowplow
Native of southeastern Wisconsin; relocated to Iron Mountain in 2009. B.A. graduate of UW-Oshkosh. Serves on IM DDA Board of Directors, City of IM Planning Commission and Our Saviors Lutheran Executive Council. Married to Kellie and has two teenage sons, Harrison and Bennett.
Melissa Wentarmini, Secretary
Accountant, Dickinson Area Community Foundation
Raised an Air Force "brat", Melissa has lived in Iron Mountain since 1994. She serves on various committees and boards of local non-profits. Resides with husband, Dan, and their seven children.
Jon Pryor, Director
Regional President, First Bank U.P.
Wife Paula and I are 25 year members of the Club. Past President 2000-2002, and former Board Member. Director/Chairman of 8 other community organizations.
Randy Erickson, Director
VP Erickson Jewelers, Master Goldsmith
Born and raised in Bark River, Michigan. Married to Sherri Erickson for 26 years. moved to Iron Mountain in 2008 to start Erickson Jewelers. Randy and Sherri have three children, Lexi, Brady, and Zac
Mario Santoni, Past President
(non voting)
Project Manager, Dickinson Homes, Inc.
Born & raised in Iron Mountain. Graduated Michigan Tech in 2001 and moved back to work family business. He and wife, Brynn, have two kids, Gino & Vera.