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Maybe A New Book In the Works?

Published on by Kathy Baker

Recently I received a wonderful e-mail from Robert Sukenik, aged 91, who developed the Camp Maqua property into the development it is today. His wife Luanne is also still alive and they are in a facility in Texas.

Robert and Luanne Sukenik bought the property, once known as Camp Maqua and then Camp Maquois, from the Bay City YWCA in 1979. The camp was advertised in the Detroit and Bay City papers and the Wall Street Journal for bids and the Sukenik family won the bid without ever stepping foot onto the property. We bought the lodge in the winter of 1987 and summered for the first time in 1988.

His email was prompted by the desire to buy 30 tee shirts with the camp logo to send to those who had helped him in those early days. He mentioned a scrapbook that one of his friends had assembled and promised to photocopy the pages with notes and send it on to me. My husband said, “There is another book here, with his history and the history of the residents who own the property.

So, my question to my alumni —who else knew the Sukenik family? Did you ever have some adventures on the property before, during, or after what is now our Camp Maqua Association? If I can gather enough stories, I will begin this winter and continue to keep those memories alive of this great piece of property!

Happy Fall Y’all–

Published on by Kathy Baker

When the tree by the boathouse starts to show the leaves turning, it means the summer is over and it is time to pack up and head south. The boat is in the water for one more week, so we will be able to see more color around the lake, as well as new summer homes under construction on the old Camp Mahn-go-tah-see property. We had a great summer with our Camp Maqua Centennial, great weather, lots of family and friends visiting, and some attention from local media and the Iosco County Historical Museum.

I had a wonderful email from 91-year-old Robert Sukenik, who sold us the lodge and developed the property. I sent him a poster, the article in the paper, and photos of the Centennial. He was thrilled and said he even got a bit weepy. Still sharp as a tack, he ordered tees for the friends who helped him when he developed the camp.

Cabin one was used all summer by friends and family, as was the cabin on the Clancy property, which now has a mini bathroom, (The cabin that stood next to the perimeter fence by the lake,) We are fortunate to have a nice tight-knit community that takes the overflow of our summer visitors when beds get tight:) The craft hut is going to get some love and attention, as time and weather have taken their toll on the exterior window frames. We had a new lock installed with the door adjusted, so it will be secure this winter. The money raised from our big event will help defray the cost of some of the repairs to the craft hut and Camp Brownie, which is still in use.

Thank you to all the girls who made the trip back to camp this summer. The merchandise site may still be open for a short time longer. Have a happy winter!

 

 

Camp Maqua Centennial 2024

Published on by Kathy Baker

The sun smiled on us for our big celebration, with over eighty former campers, staff, residents, and their families, plus volunteers from the Plainfield Township Historical Commission.  The guests enjoyed guided tours around the lodge, property walkabouts, and visits to three huts. The archives were on loan from the Bay City Historical Museum and were viewed in the Craft Hut. The laughter, singing, camaraderie, and renewed friendships put smiles on all of our faces! Cousins, sisters, and friends made plans to attend together, enjoying the boat rides, dinner under a tent, and singing all day long, plus the campfire with Beanie (Barb Haggart), Shelley Harris, and Cindy Knapp Baker. Cindy led songs during dinner, Beanie organized a trivia quiz, and the nine hours of festivities passed too quickly. Girls found their names in the huts, viewed the Buddy Board inside the boat house, and shared their photo albums. The evening ended with the wishing boat ceremony– It was a magical day!

GETTING READY !

Published on by Kathy Baker

From sunny Florida to blue skies and no humidity in Michigan, we are unpacked and ready to roll for the big 100-year celebration of Camp Maqua on the Loon Lake property. We have closed the ticket sales, but between the residents and campers/staff, there will be approximately 70 attendees enjoying a day at camp.

For those who sent in your payment, apologies for not responding, but our treasurer is still a working girl! Our event team each had their responsibilities, which included souvenirs, food, cake, tent, tables, chairs, parking, and publicity. We all have much work left to do, not only on our personal properties, but the association property, which includes the craft hut, boat house, Brownie, and beachfront. We also have the property being sprayed for mosquitoes!

The day will begin with check-in by volunteers from the Plainfield Township Historical Commission, followed by a tour of the lodge. You can walk about the property and reminisce with your friends. The Craft Hut will house the archives with two more volunteers. Boat rides, a dip in the lake if it’s warm enough, followed by dinner. A special cake will delight you, as will the sing-song and trivia game. Hopefully, the weather permits a nice campfire with guitars and more singing.

If you are local, bring a chair for the campfire, as we only have 16. Also, water will be provided, but bring your own beverages! If you are interested in the book “Camp Maqua”, it will be on sale for $20. Extra souvenirs can also be purchased if you have friends who could not attend. BRING CASH since my PayPal was compromised.

We are excited to spend the day with you. There will be many golf carts to ferry you from your cars to the lodge, and back and forth from the beach to the Brownie if needed.

Planning for the Centennial at Camp Maqua!

Published on by Kathy Baker

The end of Michigan’s season for us is always bittersweet. We head to sunny Florida, but the autumn leaves are so beautiful, especially around the boathouse and on Loon Lake. Our last boat ride before storing the boat for the winter was stunning. Calm lake, blue skies, baby loon growing, and foliage on display in all its glory.

The excitement of ending was the planning for our big 100-year anniversary next June 15, 2024. I have visions of the first campers arriving at the lodge, with the newness of each hut, meeting their counselors for the first time. But, I know campers and staff can envision your own realities and memories! Do you remember all the planning it took to prepare your trunks with the right items from the suggested list in your flyers? For the staff, there were days and weeks of planning for the activities for the summer; food acquisition, and preparation; medical and nature supplies; beachfront maintenance, etc.

Our committee managed to get all the details ready for tents, chairs, tables, food, entertainment, souvenirs, and volunteers to work the various stations on the day of the tours, walkabouts, and archival displays. But, we need your help to make this successful! The numbers need to be in by January for ordering purposes and for us to be able to plan for food. Your tickets are our guarantee that our planning will run smoothly on the day. Hopefully, 100 happy campers will not be disappointed with our efforts for a successful day.

There will be golf carts to ferry everyone from their cars to the lodge, and for those with disabilities–to and from the lakefront or Chapel Hill. The Plainfield Township Historical Commission will manage the check-in, tours in the main rooms of the lodge, and the display in the Craft Hut. The residents will be on hand to greet everyone and listen to your wonderful memories! We are as excited as campers on their first visit! Sending greetings from our families–The Starks, R., and B. Baker, Engel, Smith, West,Gorman, Clancey, Kirila, Braun, and Fidler families welcome you!  (Photo  credits  Keegan  Cooley)