History

Tracing the Cartier Legacy

The namesake of the Cartier family in Ludington is indeed Jacques Cartier, the French explorer. He made three voyages to North America (1534-1542), claiming vast lands for France and popularizing the name "Canada”, laying the groundwork for future French colonization.

Centuries after Jacques Cartier's explorations, his descendant Antoine Ephrem Cartier and his wife Eliza moved their young family to Ludington into the home now known as The Ludington House.

Antoine quickly became a prominent businessman, working as a lumber tycoon, real estate investor, and serving two terms as mayor. Together with Eliza, he spearheaded significant city improvements like paved streets and a water system. In a remarkable display of integrity, after a bank failure in 1893, Antoine personally repaid all depositors, costing him $170,000—the equivalent of $3.9 million today.

A Beacon of History

Built in 1905, the Cartier Mansion stands as a testament to Ludington's rich heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this three-story neoclassical masterpiece boasts Roman pressed brick and Bedford limestone accents. Inside, a symphony of mahogany, oak, cherry, walnut, and maple unfolds, adorned with meticulously preserved period antiques. Through the years, the Mansion has been entrusted to dedicated stewards who have ensured its enduring legacy.

The Cartier Mansion owes its existence to Warren Cartier, a Notre Dame graduate and accomplished athlete whose name graces the university's Cartier Field. Following in his lumber baron father's footsteps, Warren established himself as a prominent businessman and politician in Ludington. Together with his wife Kate, they built the Cartier Mansion in 1905, a testament to their enduring influence on the city's landscape. The Cartiers' entrepreneurial spirit is evident in their diverse ventures, including the first telephone company, banks, a car dealership, a department store, and even a watch case manufacturing company. Notably, both Warren and his father served as mayors of Ludington, albeit on opposing political platforms.

Dancing Through Time

Following the Cartiers' legacy, local figures Abby and Genevieve Schoenberger assumed the stewardship of the Cartier Mansion in 1950. Mr. Schoenberger, a butcher and owner of a quaint Scottville grocery store, brought a touch of practicality to the grand residence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Schoenberger, a graceful dancer, imbued the carriage house loft with the rhythm of her lessons for many years. While raising their family within the mansion's walls, the Schoenberger couple became the true guardians of its historic character. Their dedication ensured the preservation of the mansion's original essence, evident in the enduring beauty of its floors, woodwork, and even some of its original wall coverings. To this day, the Schoenberger family's commitment to preserving this architectural gem remains an integral part of the Cartier Mansion's story.

Warm Hospitality

The ability to enjoy these architectural treasures is largely due to the collective dedication of several families over the last three decades. At the helm for fifteen years starting in 2005, Gary and Sue Ann Schnitker transformed the grand residence into a modern bed and breakfast. The Alderink, Stumpf, and Cunningham families carried The Ludington House tradition, ensuring the property's historical warmth endures today.

History

Warren Cartier was an avid photographer who developed pictures in the dark room on the third floor of Cartier Mansion (yes, it's still there!).

We are privileged to have close to 1500 images of the family, the mansion, and the Ludington area, some of which are shared with you here.

Artwork

Cartier Mansion houses dozens of pieces of art, ranging from traditional to modern. Some art may be considered "fine" but the focus is more on having a collection that enhances public spaces and guest rooms than featuring any one piece.