Calkins House

The Calkins House (fondly remembered by locals as simply “The Calkins”) was a premier, late-19th-century luxury hotel in Clare, Michigan, which serves as the direct historical predecessor to today's Doherty Hotel.

Pioneer Venture: Built in the 1890s by John W. “Tip” Calkins—a member of one of Clare’s prominent early pioneer families—the hotel was established shortly after the town was carved out of the raw wilderness.Distinct Design: The original building was widely recognized for its Victorian-era charm, featuring massive wrap-around porches and striking round corner towers.The Expansion: Due to immense popularity, a large square wing was constructed at the rear of the property exactly ten years after the main structure opened.

The Pride of Clare: Long before the Doherty Hotel existed, the Calkins House was the undisputed epicenter of social life and the crown jewel of the town.A Traveling Destination: The hotel boasted amenities so superior that it became a mandatory stop for “drummers” (traveling salesmen) and casual visitors. People routinely went out of their way to plan trips around a stay to enjoy its high-end accommodations and dining.The Saloon: The hotel featured a bustling, popular downstairs saloon positioned on the right side of the main building.

The 1920 Destruction: On January 20, 1920, a catastrophic fire broke out, completely destroying both the Calkins House hotel and its attached saloon.Passing the Torch: The high-profile loss left a massive economic void in downtown Clare. The prime plot of land sat vacant for a couple of years until the community handed the site over to State Senator A.J. Doherty, who erected the current four-story brick Doherty Hotel right in its place.