Hulbert’s Tahquamenon Hotel Changes Ownership

By Sterling McGinn

Located in downtown Hulbert, this building was built 105 years ago. Now known as the Tahquamenon Bed and Breakfast, the business has changed hands.

Tony and Heather Gritzinger are now part of the building’s long history. They purchased the historic business in October 2023 from Grant and Joan Dewitt, who had owned the Tahquamenon Hotel for 15 years.

The Gritzingers, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year, are very attached to the Hulbert neighborhood and the building. Their connection to the community goes back more than 100 years.

“My great-great-great-grandparents lived in Hulbert,” Tony Gritzinger said. “My great-grandfather, Richard Pangburn, ran the sawmill. My grandfather, Gerald Pangburn, ran Big Bear Logging, and my mother, Lisa Pangburn Gritzinger, was best friends with Joan Dewitt when they both attended Newberry High School. You could say we have a deep connection to Hulbert.”

Tony was born in Hulbert and spent a lot of time there during the summers, holidays and winters. Once Heather joined the family, she also enjoyed spending time in the area.

When Heather and Tony learned that the Dewitts were considering selling the hotel, they felt they had to seize the opportunity.

“The move to Hulbert came a little earlier than expected, but we felt it had to be done. We knew that opportunities like this, where we can take over a historic building, strengthen our ties to Hulbert and realise the dream of running a B&B, were too important to pass up,” Tony said.

“And we’re so glad we did. The whole town welcomed us with open arms,” Heather said.

They wasted no time getting involved in the community. Heather is on the Hulbert Freedom Festival committee and Tahquamenon Bed and Breakfast has sponsored other local events.

The building was constructed in 1919 by the J. Shepherd Parrish Company, which operated a wood products manufacturing plant in Hulbert for many years. The building was originally a dormitory for the mill crew.
Johnny Hunter, a Hulbert resident and business owner, purchased the bunkhouse and converted the building into a hotel. Johnny and Nellie Hunter are Tony’s great-great-uncle and aunt.

Since last fall, Tony and Heather have been busy painting and renovating the rooms; the cottage offers 14 rooms (two rooms are adjoining for larger families).

Each room at the bed and breakfast features a theme related to the area. The Root Beer Falls Room is named for the amber water that flows over Tahquamenon Falls. The 1919 Room is named for the year the building was built. The hotel also features a Black Bear Room, a Patriotic Room, a Big Bear Logging Room and a Trapper’s Shack Room.

The Gritzingers like to showcase Hulbert area artifacts and history. In the dining room, a large display case features a number of Parrish wooden bowls, photographs and the hotel’s original guest book. There are also two hats and a cane that belonged to Johnny Hunter.

The entrance hall has been refurbished and now has a children’s play area. Breakfast is also served to residents and guests from 8am to 11am in the dining room on weekends.

“It was important to us to honor everything Hulbert has given us,” Tony said. “Our goal is to provide a memorable experience for those who stay here, eat here or just stop by for a cup of coffee. We are very excited to be in Hulbert. It is truly a dream location.”