The story of the Sugar Loafer

In the wake of the exciting news that the Leelanau Conservancy is working to acquire Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Leelanau Historical Society shares the story of the creator of Sugar Loaf’s iconic logo, Mary Harris Dorman who had an influential & successful career in the greeting card industry before moving to Traverse City:

…Upon leaving the greeting card industry, Mary began a decades-long freelance career, lending her design and marketing skills to local businesses like the Park Place Motor Inn, Holiday Hills ski area, Interlochen Arts Academy, as well as Sugar Loaf ski resort.

Mary worked as Sugar Loaf’s Director of Convention Sales from 1970-71, creating artwork for the resort’s signage, brochures, tickets, and more. She worked under Pat & Jim Ganter during this time and Mary’s son, Harry, recounted that Sugar Loaf was “one of her favorite places to work.” It was here that she designed one of her most enduring pieces—the “I’m a Sugar Loafer” emblem. With its playful lettering and cheerful character, the logo perfectly captured the lighthearted, come-as-you-are spirit of Sugar Loaf. Like her greeting cards and novelty gifts, the emblem isn’t flashy or formal—it is fun, folksy, and instantly inviting. In many ways, the logo became a visual shorthand for the hill itself: a welcoming, laughter-filled place where locals and visitors alike could let loose and make memories. Mary even created a summer version of the logo, replacing the skier with a grinning golfer to promote Sugar Loaf’s year-round recreation opportunities. Mary’s knack for distilling personality into simplified line art gave Sugar Loaf an identity that felt both personal and iconic—an energy that still resonates today, long after the hill closed.

Read on for LOTS more about a truly impressive designer & check out Sugar Loaf: A Retrospective at the museum in Leland for lots more great stories & photos from Sugar Loaf.

You can learn aboutthe Conservancy’s plans for Sugar Loaf and definitely donate to the effort if you are able!

Lots more Sugar Loaf on Leelanau.com.