The motel was built in approximately 1947. Lincoln Road at that time was a two-lane highway. Lenore and Cora saw a need at that time for a motel in the area. This need gave them a vision to build and provide for a place to rest for the passing traveler.

Lenore and Cora Peterson had six children. There were three boys and three girls in the household. Lenore was a Drafting Technician for the Department of Natural Resources. He was also a very apt carpenter and handy with tools. Cora cared for the six children and remained at home meeting all the household responsibilities. The uniqueness and extraordinary abilities of this couple are demonstrated by their limitations. Both Lenore and Cora were invalids. Lenore was crippled and walked using crutches due to polio. As a young child he had the misfortune of contracting polio.
Cora also was crippled and bond to a wheelchair. She had limited ability in her lower extremities.

This couple also had a genuine Christian spirit that has been noted by others that recall their disposition. They were considered good Samaritans and kind hearted. Lenore build the motel with his limitations and Cora managed the washing and cleaning of the motel. The house has a set of twelve stairs that go down to the basement. Cora managed to remove herself from her chair and slide down on her hind side to wash the clothes. She would also have to crawl back up on her knees to return upstairs. She said she would “fly down the stairs”. This couple was a picture of real pioneers that endured hardships without complaint. They displayed a cheerful spirit and provided services for many.

Robert and Mary Stropich later purchased the motel in 1984. This couple moved down from Danford where they raised their two children, Toni and Lori. This couple had originally been raised in Escanaba. At the age of seventeen Robert Stropich’s father moved to the United States from Yogoslavia. He and his wife raised five children. Robert or Bob was the youngest of the five. There were three boys and two girls. They lived in the north side of town. Mary Schroeder was the daughter of Edward and Dorothy Schroeder. She lived in the south side of town. Mary was a child of two. The second child was a boy. Bob and Mary fell in love and married.

Bob and Mary were very industrious individuals. Bob owned a tire shop down the street and other businesses through out the years. He was a very handy and was able to maintain the motel. Mary stayed at home and managed all aspects of the motel which included cleaning, washing, and bookkeeping. They were very efficient and knew how to manage the motel well. They also are very generous and kindhearted people.

The new owners Ben and Lucy Ramos purchased the motel in 2002. They have two boys. Presently, a manager cares for the motel. The owners desire is to keep the Eagles Nest a small, quaint and friendly hometown atmosphere for the weary traveler. They are considering providing a nature motif in the rooms to make it a unique experience.