SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Danna and Terry Sanderson have been owners of various businesses in Sault Ste. Marie for 36 years.
Friday, they were recognized for their commitment to the community’s history.
The Chippewa County Historical Society presented the Sandersons with their Historic Preservation Award for renovating the former John Quinn Eagle Saloon building on Ashmun Street, located right next to the historical society.
The saloon is now a specialty gift store with an Airbnb above it.
The Sandersons, who met at Lake Superior State University and eventually got married, feel it’s important to have small businesses maintain a historical perspective.
“We learn the history of any building that we buy. And we try to maintain the historical architecture in any way that we possibly can. We have found that it resonates people tremendously. People notice it and appreciate it and them comment on it,” said Danna Sanderson.
The Sandersons have a few other properties including an old church that was converted into an Airbnb back in 2023. That, too, maintained a lot of the building’s historical character.