By Allie Brawley
Flatiron Brewery is named in honor of the lively history of Manistique’s Flatiron Block in the 1800s & 1900s during the town’s dry era by founders Jake Boudreau (IT Systems & Brewing Operations), Adam Popour (Business Systems & Operations), Nick Powers (Events & Kitchen Operations), Ben Pineau (Chief Fun Officer) and Mark Osgerby (Marketing). The brewery was initially created when the five childhood friends were discussing business ideas over craft beers in Grand Rapids. They decided to look for commercial properties in Manistique where they grew up. They officially opened the brewery in Spring 2023 after a few years working away at blueprints, brew kettles and many pizza slices.
Located on Trader’s Point, Flatiron Brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere with pool tables, darts, Golden Tee and a lounge area where the good times flow like their home-brewed beverages. The history behind the name is best told by the founders as follows…
Legend of the Flatiron Block
Step back in time, folks, to the legendary clash between the formidable Chicago Lumber Company and the audacious Dan Heffron. Picture this: it’s the late 1800s, and every square inch of Manistique is owned by the Chicago Lumber Company except for one residence. They rule over town like a bunch of temperance titans, hell-bent on keeping the town "dry.” But this singular residence manages to evade their grasps. Alex Richards is the proprietor, and his abode is strategically situated between Pearl, Water, and Maine Street, forming a distinctive flatiron shape.
Back in those days the only way to get alcohol was through whiskey boats anchoring offshore…that is, until everyone running that operation is arrested. Enter Daniel Heffron, a New Yorker with big dreams. He sees the perfect opportunity to bring a saloon to Manistique, and approaches Richards to get his hands on the property on this unique flatiron-shaped block.
As soon as the deal is sealed, the Heffron Brothers' Arcade Saloon opens its doors. The thirsty lumber mill workers and townsfolk rejoiced! The bar is downstairs, and upstairs houses a gaming room, along with various other rooms for activities and entertainment. While the Chicago Lumber Company watches like a hawk, trying to find any infractions to close Dan Heffron down, others see an opportunity and take their chances.
Not to be outdone, Nels Johnson, a Swedish lumberjack with similar big dreams, joins the party. He buys some property from Heffron and builds his own saloon catering to his fellow countrymen. Several others followed suit and the Flatiron Block burst to life. At its peak boasting an impressive 29 saloons for the town’s population of 3,000. Thirsty times, indeed!
But hold onto your hats, folks, because this is where Heffron's escapades take a dark turn. His infamous reputation also involves many illegal dealings, bribery and a dramatic escape that rivals any blockbuster. He’s arrested, tried and the jury is sequestered to decide his fate. Then Heffron vanishes like a magician's trick, leaving nothing but whispers and offers of rewards in his wake.
So here we are, a century later at Flatiron Brewing, proudly paying homage to the spirited days of yore when a few feisty townsfolk decided to stand up against dry days. Now we're brewing up our own brand of imbibing, making exceptional craft beer and serving mouthwatering delights. Join us as we raise a toast to the past and look forward to our future while savoring every drop!
Cheers to spirited history of Flatiron Brewing!