The Dunham House and Russell House

The Dunham House was first built by L.H. Dunham and sold around 1885 to James M. Campbell. To the north was the Russell House, formerly called the Everett House. It is unknown when the Dunham House and Everett House were built, however, both are on the 1884 Sanborn map.

After Campbell purchased the Dunham House, the establishment’s popularity grew and in 1890 he built additions to the main building and doubled its capacity to 50 guests. The daily rate was $1.50 and weekly arrangements could be made for regular boarders. St. Ignace and Mackinac County 1895 described the Dunham house as “extremely popular” and recommended it for those “who are seeking a quiet and homelike place of abode.” Unlike many hotels of the time, there was no bar or saloon on the property “to make matters unpleasant.” The Dunham House had an excellent reputation as a first-class management and presenting a variety of food that is well cooked and tastefully served.

To the north was the Russell House, formerly called the Everett House. Sometime between 1884 and 1890, James Russell purchased and renamed the Everett House. By 1895 the business had been sold to William Spice who came from Lansing, Michigan around 1884. The Russell House had 75 rooms, offered lodging, a dining room, a billiard room, and a bar offering a choice of well-selected liquors, wine, and cigars. In the book St. Ignace and Mackinac County 1895, the Russell House was described as “a fine three-story structure of handsome appearance, and from its windows, its balconies, and airy veranda may be enjoyed an extended and lovely view of Mackinac Island and the straits. It furnishes accommodations for 150 guests, and under the careful supervision of Landlord Spice, the comfort of each individual…is assiduously attended to. The cuisine at the Russel is unexcelled [with] amply supplied and exquisitely served tables…the rooms are large and airy.”

Between 1901 and 1907, the Russell House came under the management of Bruno LeClerc who changed its name to the LeClerc Hotel. In 1912, J.M. Campbell sold the Dunham House to C.H. Stannus. Soon after he transferred the house to O.P. Welch and Valentine Hemm who, at that time owned the LeClerc. The Dunham House and LeClerc Hotel merged in 1921 and became the Northern Hotel.

By the 1950s the hotel had been renamed the Nicolet. The southern portion which was previously the Dunham House was destroyed by fire.