Sam Cohodas was born in 1895 in eastern Poland. His father, Aaron Cohodas sold produce, like his father before him. The family of 10 were Jewish and lived in horrid conditions. Relatives of the family started making their way to America, including Sam’s uncle, Sam Weksler who moved to Marinette, Wisconsin.

In 1900, Aaron Cohodas emigrated to America and went directly to Marinette. The two oldest boys followed soon after, avoiding conscription into the Russian army. By 1903, the rest of the family followed. They were able to own a home, and the children enrolled in school. However, tragedy struck in 1904 when Aaron died of an infection after surgery.

The family worked hard to support the family. Eva became a seamstress and caterer, Molly and Leah got jobs at a local department store and most importantly, Harry Cohodas went to work for his Uncle Sam, in the produce business.

In 1908, Sam, then 13, left school and along with his older brother Harry, began selling Wexler’s surplus produce around the Keweenaw Peninsula. This would become the basis for Cohodas Brothers Produce.

In 1918 Sam enlisted in the US Army. Non-citizens were often promised a quick path to citizenship if they enlisted. He received his citizenship on June 12, 1918. He was discharged in March of 1919, having served for almost a year. He spent some time in Chicago and then headed back to Ishpeming where his mother and sister Ethel resided. Two retail produce stores were opened, one in the Copper Country and one in Ishpeming, however, they did not last long.

“Cohodas Brothers, who operate a chain of wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable houses in the copper and iron counties, have decide3d to close their retail store in Ishpeming and confine their efforts at this point to wholesale businesses.” (Mining Journal, September 3, 1920) There was a bit of a business slowdown during 1920, so that may have been a contributing factor.

“One of the largest real estate transactions consummated here in a number of years was closed yesterday when Cohodas Brothers bought the property now occupied by the Carpenter Cook company, corner of Front and Pine streets.

The property was formerly owned by Miss Florence Mildon, of Ishpeming, and her sister, Mrs. Ellen M. Newton, of Chicago. The deal was negotiated by Berg, Clancey and Randall, of Ishpeming.

Possession will be taken immediately. The building will be altered by Cohodas Brothers to meet the demands of their rapidly growing wholesale fruit and produce business. The property, which adjoins the J.L.Bradford store, is located in such a manner that it is served by a spur track at the rear, and is well situated for the purpose for which the new owners will use it.” (Mining Journal, April 29, 1922)

“In a communication to the city council at its meeting Wednesday night, Cohodas Brothers stated that they were willing to purchase Lots No. 153 and 153 of the original plat of the city of Ishpeming, located at North Second Street known as the old jail property.

The communication was referred to the committee on buildings, grounds and insurance and it will report its findings and recommendations to the council.” (Mining Journal, January 9, 1925) Just three years after Cohodas Brothers purchased the Carpenter Cook building, they were looking at purchasing another property. However, there is no record of them acquiring the building.

“Sam Cohodas, general manager of Cohodas Brothers company, lagest distributors of fuit and vegetables in the upper peninsula, yesterday announced that his firm will build a large warehouse and cold storage plant here on the site of the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic railway company’s freight depots between First and Second streets.

Officials of the South Shore and Mr. Cohodas reached an agreement Thursday after several weeks of negotiations. Preparation of plans will be started immediately and it is expected that the structure will be ready for occupancy by early fall.

The site is 218 by 200 feet and there will be ample track space on the south and north sides of the building. The old passenger depot and the present freight depot will be moved east of its present location.” (Mining Journal, April 26, 1930)

It took almost a year for the warehouse to be completed. First the new depot had to be built, then the old one torn down and the new warehouse constructed. Even though the Great Depression was felt throughout the country, Ishpeming had three major construction projects ongoing, which mean jobs for some.

In 1933, Sam Cohodas took on a new role with his opening of the Miners First National Bank. In subsequent years he purchased other financial institutions, leading to the formation of the Michigan Financial Corporation. In 1935 the Cohodas Lodge opened and in 1941 he built a house in Ishpeming, on the corner of Main and Arch Streets. He married late in life and did not have children. In 1988, he died at his winter home in Sarasota, Florida.