The Grand Legend Award honors those whose dedication and passion have made a lasting impact on Grand Hotel and the Mackinac Island community. These individuals embody the values, traditions, and enduring spirit that define who we are. This year, we were proud to recognize three 2025 Grand Legend Award recipients, each representing a special part of our story: Our past, our community, and our present at Grand Hotel.
Pictured left to right, Marvin Makowski, Jennifer King, Grand Hotel President David Jurcak, and Brad Chambers, son of Grand Legend Award recipient, Dr. William (Bill) Chambers
Some people spend their lives making history. Others are fortunate enough to be born into it. Dr. Bill Chambers managed to do both.
For Dr. Bill, Mackinac Island isn’t simply a place to call home. It’s in his blood, his family history, and quite literally, in the sound of horses’ hooves echoing down the island’s streets.
A fourth-generation Mackinac Island horseman, Dr. Bill was born into a family that has helped shape the character of the island for nearly two centuries. His great-grandfather, Thomas Chambers, came from Ireland and settled on Mackinac Island in 1830. The family would go on to become one of the island’s most influential carriage families, helping establish the traditions that make Mackinac so wonderfully different from everywhere else.
In fact, Dr. Bill’s great-grandfather helped lead the effort to ban automobiles from the island in the 1890s. More than a century later, millions of visitors continue to enjoy the results of that decision. You might say the Chambers family was ahead of its time by insisting that Mackinac Island stay behind the times.
By the time Dr. Bill could walk, he was spending time in the stables. He learned which horses were friendly, which ones demanded respect, and eventually how to handle the reins from his father’s lap. There were no shortcuts to becoming a Chambers horseman.
But Dr. Bill had ambitions beyond the family stables. He attended Michigan State University, graduating from its College of Veterinary Medicine in 1957, and later served in the United States Army Veterinary Corps. He eventually established a successful veterinary career in Minnesota.
When asked about his years away from Mackinac Island, Dr. Bill offered a characteristically understated assessment: “I survived it.”
In 1972, following the death of his father, Dr. Bill returned to Mackinac Island to join his brothers in the family carriage business. It was a homecoming that would help shape the island for decades to come.
As president and general manager of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Dr. Bill brought together generations of practical horsemanship and the knowledge of a trained veterinarian. He developed specialized horseshoes for Mackinac’s paved streets, improved feeding programs, and devoted countless hours to the care and training of the horses that make the island’s unique transportation system possible.
Of course, being a veterinarian on an island filled with horses also meant the occasional late-night emergency call. Even when he would have preferred a good night’s sleep, Dr. Bill knew that a horse in need couldn’t wait until morning.
His explanation was simple: “What are you gonna do?”
That’s Dr. Bill. Practical, direct, and always ready with a little Irish humor.
And that humor is legendary. But beneath the humor is an extraordinary commitment to preserving a way of life.
Dr. Bill understands better than almost anyone that Mackinac Island’s charm doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every carriage ride, every delivery, and every familiar clip-clop of hooves is an enormous amount of work, dedication, and knowledge passed from one generation to the next.
He has spent his life ensuring that the horses are cared for, the traditions endure, and the island remains a place where visitors can experience something increasingly rare in today’s world: the opportunity to slow down. As Dr. Bill once observed, horse-drawn transportation may occasionally cause someone to miss a boat.
His advice? Relax. You’ll probably live longer.
It’s hard to argue with that philosophy, particularly on Mackinac Island.
Beyond his contributions to the carriage industry, Dr. Bill and his wife, Sue, have been generous supporters of the Mackinac Island community, including local healthcare initiatives and charitable events. Their commitment to the island extends far beyond the family business.
Today, the Chambers family legacy is reflected in the hundreds of horses, historic carriages, and countless memorable experiences that have made Mackinac Island Carriage Tours an essential part of the island’s identity.
But Dr. Bill’s greatest contribution may be something less tangible.
He has helped preserve the very soul of Mackinac Island.
In a world that seems determined to move faster every year, Dr. Bill Chambers has spent a lifetime reminding us that some of the best things in life are worth slowing down for.
And if you happen to hear the sound of a horse-drawn carriage passing by, remember that you’re hearing more than the rhythm of hooves on pavement.
You’re hearing nearly 200 years of Chambers family history.
Jennifer King was part of Grand Hotel from 2004 to 2021, serving as Vice President of Human Resources and General Manager of Guest Experience while also supporting the Mackinac Island Community Foundation until 2008. Throughout her tenure, she helped shape the people and culture behind the hotel’s legendary hospitality, recognizing that its magic has always been found in the people who bring its experiences to life.
At the height of the season, Jennifer oversaw staffing for as many as 700 employees and recruited team members from 26 countries. Her recruiting efforts took her around the world, where she conducted interviews, connected with team members’ families, and welcomed generations of employees into the Grand Hotel family. She also navigated the complex H-2B visa process and became an industry leader and advocate for seasonal workers, traveling to Washington, D.C., to educate policymakers on the importance of the program. Through international hospitality trainee programs and creative workforce initiatives, she helped open doors to careers that would shape lives long after employees left Mackinac Island.
Jennifer’s contributions extended beyond staffing and operations. She helped develop future hospitality leaders, many of whom began their careers at Grand Hotel and went on to become general managers, vice presidents, directors, and other professionals. As General Manager of Guest Experience, she was proud to contribute to the addition of Grand Hotel’s Cupola Suites and the hotel’s fourth-floor expansion, while preserving the history and traditions that make Grand Hotel so special.
Though Jennifer moved on to a new chapter in her hospitality career in 2021, her legacy lives on in the people she welcomed, the careers she helped launch, and the traditions she helped carry forward. Her Grand Legends recognition celebrates a lasting contribution to the heart of Grand Hotel and the people who make it truly grand.
For 42 years, Marvin Makowski has been an integral part of Grand Hotel, helping preserve the beauty and welcoming atmosphere that guests have come to cherish. As Night Housekeeping Manager, Marv leads the overnight team responsible for cleaning the hotel and select food and beverage outlets, ensuring everything is ready for guests to enjoy each day.
A dedicated leader who takes great pride in caring for his team, Marv has guided the overnight crew for many years with a steady hand and a deep commitment to Grand Hotel’s standards. His dedication is especially evident at the start of each season, when he arrives ahead of his team to begin the extensive work of cleaning and preparing the hotel for opening day.
Through decades of dependable service and quiet leadership, Marv has helped keep Grand Hotel shining behind the scenes. His 42 years of dedication reflect the spirit of the Grand Hotel family, where the work of every team member contributes to an extraordinary guest experience.
Pictured left to right, John Hulett III, Grand Hotel President David Jurcak, and Phil Porter
Hans BurtscherFor more than three decades, Chef Hans Burtscher defined the culinary excellence and timeless traditions that guests from around the world have come to associate with Grand Hotel. Born and trained in Austria, Chef Burtscher began his culinary journey as an apprentice, earning professional degrees in both pastry and culinary arts. His early years took him across Europe working in Austria, Spain, and Switzerland for more than five years in seasonal resorts where he refined his classic European technique and deep respect for quality ingredients.
In 1983, Chef Burtscher moved to the United States and joined Grand Hotel’s culinary team under the Dan Musser Jr. family’s ownership. His skill, leadership, and creativity quickly earned him promotion to Executive Chef and later, Vice President of Food and Beverage, positions he held with distinction. During his 36-year career at Grand Hotel, including 28 years as Executive Chef, he transformed the hotel’s dining program and helped establish its reputation as one of the Midwest’s finest culinary destinations.
Chef Burtscher oversaw not only the hotel’s legendary Main Dining Room, but also the creation and development of nine Grand Hotel dining venues, including The Jockey Club, Woods Restaurant, Gate House, and Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor. His menus balanced European tradition with regional Michigan flavors, bringing elegance, warmth, and a sense of place to every meal.
“Hans is an outstanding leader and amazing culinarian,” said David Jurcak, President of Grand Hotel. “He has been featured in many cookbooks, and his name is synonymous with Grand Hotel’s lauded food and beverage offerings.”
Throughout his career, Chef Burtscher achieved many memorable milestones. Among his favorites was Grand Hotel’s 125th Birthday Celebration, when he and his team crafted a 125-foot-long cake to commemorate the occasion, a true testament to his teamwork and creativity. Another highlight was representing Grand Hotel at the James Beard House in New York City, where he joined other renowned resort chefs to showcase signature dishes inspired by Mackinac Island and the hotel’s long-standing traditions.
While his culinary achievements are numerous, Chef Burtscher takes the greatest pride in the Grand Hotel staff members he mentored over the years.
“I have so many amazing memories living and working on Mackinac island, it’s hard to point out what I’m most proud of,” Chef Burtscher says. “It was an honor working for Grand Hotel and the Musser family and I cherish all my memories not only in the kitchen but with the connections I have made over the years, mentoring new employees and watching them grow, hearing the stories of their successes, and knowing that hard work goes a long way!”
Today, Chef Hans Burtscher’s leadership, artistry, and dedication continue to influence the next generation of Grand Hotel chefs and remain deeply woven into the Grand Hotel experience. His legacy lives on in every elegant meal served beneath the chandeliers of the Main Dining Room, an enduring tribute to a chef whose vision and passion defined an era.
Growing up next door to Grand Hotel in his family’s summer cottage on the West Bluff, Phil Porter developed a lifelong passion for Mackinac Island and its remarkable history. His connection to the island began early on. He joined Fort Mackinac as a tour guide in 1972, sparking a distinguished career dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of this treasured destination.
A graduate of Kenyon College with a Master’s degree in history museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at State University of New York, Oneonta, Mr. Porter began his professional journey with Mackinac State Historic Parks shortly thereafter. Over the decades, he served in several leadership roles, including Curator of Collections, Curator of Interpretation, Chief Curator, and ultimately Director from 2003 until his retirement in 2020. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Mr. Porter received the History Hero Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Historical Society of Michigan in 2023.
Mr. Porter’s scholarship and storytelling have illuminated Mackinac Island’s past for generations. He has authored twelve books and numerous articles exploring the island’s history, including “View from the Veranda,” “The History and Architecture of the Summer Cottages of Mackinac Island,” and “Mackinac: An Island Famous in These Regions,” each celebrating the timeless connection between Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel. Over the years, Mr. Porter has shared his expertise with countless Grand Hotel guests through lectures, walking tours, and special presentations, fostering a deep appreciation for the hotel’s heritage and its place in Michigan’s story.
Among his many achievements, Mr. Porter is especially proud of creating the Mackinac State Historic Parks Education Outreach Program (1989), which continues to serve classrooms across Michigan; the establishment of the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum (2010) and its Artist in Residence Program (2019); the reconstruction of Fort Holmes (2015); and founding the beloved Fort Mackinac Never Sweats vintage baseball team (2003).
“Mr. Porter is 110% Mackinac Island,” says Grand Hotel President David Jurcak. “His love for the island is unmatched.”
Today, Mr. Porter continues to serve the Mackinac community as a board member of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, a lector at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island, and Vice Chairman and Historian of Wawashkamo Golf Club.
Mr. Porter met his wife, Valerie, while working at Fort Mackinac in 1973. Married two years later, they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they have raised five children and now enjoy time with their thirteen grandchildren. The Porters continue to spend their summers on Mackinac Island and their winters in Cheboygan, cherishing the island and community that have shaped their lives for more than five decades.
For six remarkable decades, John Hulett has embodied the spirit of Grand Hotel. His journey began on May 18, 1965, when he arrived on Mackinac Island with his parents unaware that he was beginning a lifelong career defined by dedication, excellence, and an unwavering love for both the hotel and its community.
Over the years, Mr. Hulett has held a variety of roles that reflect his deep knowledge and passion for hospitality, serving as bellman, restaurant manager, and ultimately Vice President of Operations before assuming his current role as Vice President of Community Relations. Along the way, he has worked closely with three generations of leadership, including W. Stewart Woodfill, R.D. Musser Jr., and Dan Musser III, earning the trust and respect of each as a valued advisor and cherished friend.
Mr. Hulett’s legacy extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. Known for his gracious demeanor, genuine warmth, and steadfast commitment to service, he represents the very best of Grand Hotel tradition. In an era when long-term devotion is increasingly rare, his 60 years of continuous service serve as both an inspiration and a testament to his extraordinary character.
“John Hulett is a true gentleman, a consummate hospitality professional, and a legendary figure in our community,” says Grand Hotel President David Jurcak.
When asked about retirement, Mr. Hulett simply smiles, indicating he has no plans to slow down. As Grand Hotel looks ahead to its 150th season in just over 10 years, it would be no surprise that Mr. Hulett will be right here, continuing to welcome Grand Hotel guests with the same grace and enthusiasm that have made him a true legend on Mackinac Island.
Annie Farrell’s 25 years of dedication as Director of Sales helped shape Grand Hotel’s legacy of exceptional service and lasting partnerships. “There’s no better place than Grand Hotel,” Annie always says, and her impact is felt across the hotel and beyond. We are grateful for her lasting contributions, from working with long-time clients to setting a gold standard for hospitality.
Richard and Jane Manoogian’s love for Mackinac Island is deeply rooted in their passion for art and community. Richard, a world-renowned collector of American Impressionism, has generously donated artwork to Grand Hotel each summer, enhancing the beauty of our space. Their philanthropic efforts extend to the Mackinac Island Medical Center, where their support ensures the health and well-being of our island residents.
For 43 seasons, Kathy Williams has been a cornerstone of Grand Hotel’s success. Starting in 1984, Kathy has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her work as Laundry Manager, ensuring that every guest and team member experiences the highest standards of hospitality. Her hard work, determination, and care make her an irreplaceable part of the Grand Hotel team.
Pictured left to right, President David Jurcak, Vice President of Rooms Jerry Toney, Mayor of Mackinac Island Margaret Doud, Glendon Bulgin, R.D. Musser III
Margaret Kappa was a legend in the world of hospitality. She represented the epitome of organization, efficiency, and service.
Margaret was raised in the hospitality business, first working in her family’s hotel in Wabasha, Minnesota, before graduating with Honors from Cornell University in 1944. While at Cornell, she was elected the first female President of Cornell’s Hotelmen’s Association, an accomplishment she held with great pride. Soon after graduation, with help from her mother and sisters, she purchased and successfully ran a large hotel in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Margaret’s time in the Midwest came to a close when she accepted the prestigious position as Executive Housekeeper at The Plaza Hotel in New York. She later met and married Sam Sneed’s assistant golf professional which brought her to The Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia. While at The Greenbrier, she became Executive Housekeeper and published several books on the art of housekeeping efficiency.
After retirement, her close friend, Carleton Varney, persuaded her to take some part-time consulting jobs on projects with Dorothy Draper and Company. From her time with Carleton, she was introduced to a small little island in Northern Michigan: Mackinac Island. Margaret immediately fell in love with Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel fell in love with her.
Grand Hotel’s former owner, R.D. Musser, was so impressed with her work, he offered her seasonal employment as an Executive Hotel Consultant. Margaret gladly accepted. She could be seen every day walking the halls, inspecting every room open for cleaning. She would always say, “Follow your left hand around the room, starting with the ceiling, then down the baseboard, leaving no detail unnoticed.” She filled countless yellow legal pads with notes and always had a number two pencil behind her ear. These notes to housekeeping and maintenance were often referred to as “Margaret’s Little Projects” and maintenance had a lot of little projects.
She helped instill hundreds, if not thousands, of employees with an unwavering patience on the best ways to serve our guests. She would often say, “Never scold an employee for something they were not properly trained in.” She greeted guests in the halls, inquiring about their stay, and passed the good suggestions on to the appropriate department heads. She kept a watchful eye on the hotel’s art and antiques and would not rest until everything was in good order and in its proper place.
Margaret possessed a sharp Irish sense of humor and always knew when a quick joke or a warm smile was needed. She never missed a Sunday Mass at Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church and religiously followed the service with a wet burrito and margarita at Horn’s Bar downtown. Margaret sadly passed away while writing her autobiography entitled, “Top Sheet Down.” With her generous acts of service and intentional instruction on gracious living, she has forever raised the bar for all of us in the hospitality business.
You just don’t get any more “Mackinac Island” than Mayor Margaret Doud. Her family arrived on Mackinac Island from Ireland in the mid-1850s and have remained an integral part of the Island to this day. Margaret was raised on Mackinac Island, but left for high school, college, and taught for two years in Petoskey, before returning as a teacher at Mackinac Island Public School. Shortly after returning to the Island, she filled a vacant seat on the City Council and, after two years, was encouraged to run for Mayor. On April 1, 1975, she was elected Mayor of Mackinac Island and has subsequently been reelected every year since. Margaret is the longest serving Mayor in the United States.
Even though Mackinac Island has a long history of strong women who were instrumental in shaping the Island’s future, there were many men not accustomed to taking orders from a woman. Margaret was unflappable. Her leadership was clear, direct, and impartial. Margaret’s father was Mayor of Mackinac in 1939-1940 and served on the City Council for 40 years. She also manages the Windermere Hotel, which has been run by the Doud Family since 1904. This long family history affords Margaret a unique perspective of the delicate balance between historic preservation and commercial growth on the Island.
How is Margaret not exhausted? In her 48 years of service, I cannot think of another person on this Island who has attended more parades, fundraisers, graduations, memorials, VIP receptions, celebrity meet and greets, political fundraisers, school events, dedications, birthday parties, and the list goes on and on. In a recent interview, Margaret was asked about retirement, telling the reporter, “She knows when to hold ‘em and she’ll know when to fold ‘em.”
Margaret has always been a true friend of Grand Hotel. She worked very closely with Grand Hotel’s former owner, R.D. Musser II, consulting and bouncing ideas back and forth about almost every aspect regarding the future of Mackinac Island. They both always referred to the Island as, “The Gem of Michigan.” When Mr. Musser passed away, Margaret commented that the Island had lost its rudder, but we feel that as long as Mayor Doud is at the helm, Mackinac Island is in safe hands.
When we think about Grand Hotel, we don’t just think about a historic building with extravagantly decorated rooms or the countless amenities to be enjoyed. The summer memories we craft for our guests are made possible by the wonderful team members who go above and beyond to provide excellent service and hospitality.
Working at Grand Hotel is unlike any other experience, and it takes a special person to commit their life’s work to a 136-year-old hotel on a small island in Northern Michigan. This Grand Legend recipient is known for his generous spirit, dedicated work ethic, his willingness to always lend a helping hand, and his ability to foster community wherever he is.
As a man of faith, his presence at Sudbury Baptist Church and throughout the Moore Park/Orange community in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has made him a public figure, extending all the way to Mackinac Island and throughout the world with his daily morning tea devotionals. When he first arrived on Mackinac Island, he made a point to get involved with Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church to encourage young people in the faith and support Islanders and employees all over Mackinaw City. Despite working long hours, rising before dawn for his morning breakfast shift and leaving after his evening dinner shift, he still found a way to lead worship services every Wednesday night.
During his first season at Grand Hotel, he worked as a server in the Main Dining Room in Section #1 and has remained there for the last 32 seasons. Glendon Bulgin, known affectionately as “Brother B,” is a well-known and well-loved member of the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island communities. When Glendon enters a room, you are immediately welcomed by his warmth, kindness, and infectious smile. It is impossible to have a bad day when Glendon is in the room. He leads by example, his loyalty knows no bounds, but, most importantly, he encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Glendon is a family man, devoted to his wife, Ivy, their two children, Glendon and Patrice, and four grandchildren. When we asked his wife to describe him, she simply said, “What you see is what you get.” His compassionate heart and unwavering strength of character has not only identified him as a fixture of Grand Hotel and recipient of the most hugs, but as a man we can truly call legendary. Glendon is not just a team member; his life and legacy are woven into the fabric that makes Grand Hotel the place we look forward to returning to year after year. Glendon said it best, “Returning each season is always one big family affair! We are all family at Grand Hotel!”
From all of us at Grand Hotel and the Mackinac Island community, we thank Glendon for the hard work, leadership, and dedication he has given us for 32 seasons. We hope to be blessed with 32 more seasons.
Carleton Varney began working with Grand Hotel 1976 when we first partnered with Dorothy Draper & Co. Each year Carleton Varney helped to shape Grand Hotel to what it is today and create the image that guests call home. From the first redesign of the Parlor in 1976, to the imagination of 388 guest room designs, multiple dining spaces, retail locations, and more, Carleton’s legacy is honored each day on Mackinac Island and loved by the thousands of guests and travelers who visit Grand Hotel each year. In 2022 Carleton’s son Sebastian Varney, President of Dorothy Draper & Co., rang the closing bell for the 2022 season in remembrance of his father.
Our honorary team member of the 2021 season was Linda McNally, Executive Housekeeper. Linda has been working at Grand Hotel for over 24 seasons and has created an amazing team that continues to grow. We are excited to celebrate Linda and her team and are proud to call her our 2021 Grand Legend Award Winner.
“To me it isn’t about one person, but all the people that stand behind them. I’m so happy my team was also recognized for the amazing staff they are. I’m so lucky to have them all. As to what I feel about the Grand, that would be family.” – Linda McNally
For our 2020 season we decided to begin a new tradition in selecting an employee of the year to ring the bell symbolizing the end to another unforgettable Grand Hotel season. In 2020 we had the honor of recognizing Ken Salmon our Maître D. You may recognize him as the welcoming face to our Salle à Manger each morning and night, greeting our guests to enjoy an evening of elegant dining. Ken Salmon worked at Grand Hotel for 40 years and is loved by all of our guests and employees.
