The farmhouse on the shores of Loon Lake was the first structure used as the main building in the summer of 1924 when the Camp Maqua property was purchased. “Dutton was a farm house on the property, and this was used the first and second years and about twelve girls could be accommodated at one […]
Kathy Baker
Aladdin–The Preferred Builder
Pictorial: Aladdin Homes – Bay City, Michigan : Bay-Journal The Aladdin Company from Bay City was the primary builder of the huts or cabins, but it is unclear whether the lodge was built by the same company. Founded by brothers W.J. Sovereign, O.E. Sovereign and Charles Munro in 1906, it was a pioneer for mail […]
Additions To The Property–
In April 1936, the camp committee discussed a small piece of property that belonged to the D&M Railroad, which would cost $5.44 and back taxes of $800. It must have been purchased, because to this day the tracks can be seen on the back of the property, where the present owners hike during the fall. […]
Onto The Property–
Early photographs and postcards of Camp Maqua leave the viewer with the feeling that the property was a beautiful lakeside setting, but had very few trees. In later years, the trees matured with birch, oak, pine and other varieties creating a beautiful forested landscape. A letter in the archival files from the State of Michigan […]
Hear Our Voices! #2
Session one in 1949 posted an article about a newly organized council. “For many years there has been in existence a council composed of camper representatives, but this year the two councils have worked cooperatively on many problems,” it stated. The council first periods was composed of Lucille Harding, Jerry Fleming, Helen Hasty, Nan Lipscott and Bertie Van Welt, and represented a […]
Hear Our Voices! #1
The overall condition and set up of the camp season differed from year to year according to the needs of the campers and staff. Each director came in with new ideas, the camp committee meetings entertained and implemented best practices according to the financial situation and staff they hired and for the most part Maqua […]