Where it all began
Mary and Martin Bergie pursued their passion and in the mid 40s, Martin began building one cabin at a time. Their M&M Motels and home accompanied with a strong work ethic, love for people and great stewardship survived the test of time. They were blessed with a great life and were embraced by this “small slice of heaven” called Flathead Lake.
Mary Bergie
• Excellent cook
• Wonderful baker
• Made home made cinnamon rolls
• Years of working in the restaurant paid off!
• Did not drink, but loved a great time
• Work always came first
• Always made sure her guests were taken care of
• Managed along with martin (no outside help)
Flathead Lake Marshal
Grandpa was Grand Marshal of Flathead Lake…he took anyone and everyone that wanted to go fishing
He was also the carpenter behind the cabins.
Martin Bergie
• Outstanding carpenter
• Built cabins
• Always there for Mary
• Liked to whistle
• Enjoyed the outdoors
• Fisherman, jokester, story teller, thinker
• Always had pink peppermint candy
• Suspenders, button front cardigans
• Plaid shirts
• Could speak Sioux
• Smoked a pipe
• Loved a cold beer
• Loved animals
The M&M Cabins at Flathead Lake were Mary and Martin Bergie’s home for years. Built with their hands, hard work, passion, a dream, and a love for people and nature, their careers unfolded.
Mary and Martin came to anyone’s aid. Martin, a carpenter and Mary, a proud entrepreneur. They were embraced by all for miles around Montana, the love for which they were bound.
LEAVING A LEGACY
Cabins were built one by one. It’s likely that these garages, still standing today, are where most of the woodwork was done.
Making way for Trailers
An oldie, but a goodie here. It’s neat to see their vision from nearly 70 years ago. Today, we are proud to offer those same-aged vintage campers for rent.
Martin and Mary eventually sold the Motel and moved to Havre to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. After Grandpa passed, Grandma moved to Seattle to live next door to her youngest daughter Irene Rowe, son-in-law Clifford Rowe, and eight grandchildren. Up until Mary died in 1999 (just short of being 101 years old), she continued to have previous patrons of the M&M visit her in Seattle.
Mary was never without friends or family nearby.
Martin Bergie 1/2 Sioux
Mary (Poitra) Bergie Chippewa Indian Turtle Mountain 1/2
Only yesterday it does seem, leaving Grandma and Grandpa working their dream.
Oh, how proud Mary and Martin must be, looking down from above on The Flathead Lake Resort. a place they once owned, calling it home and nourished with passion and love.
— With loving memories
*These photos and stories of Mary and Martin were shared with us in 2019 by a granddaughter of Mary and Martin. We are forever grateful to be a part of this legacy and to continue building upon their dream.