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 Department of Conservation in Lansing, dated January 14, 1925, agreed to furnish 2,000 White Pine trees and 2,000 Norway Pines for the property. The letter also stated if more were needed, they would be amenable to providing additional pine trees.

The only other mention of trees on the property in the minutes was in 1963 when the caretaker agreed to check into timber cutting on the swampland of both the old and new property. (Forty-five additional acres had been purchased that year.) The estimate was $1,000-$1,500, but it was unclear if they were paying for it to be cut, or receiving payment for the timber.

The roads were always a constant source of maintenance and concern. As early as 1933 the minutes stated a need for improvements to the road into camp. For $35, they contracted someone to grade, crown and provide drainage in the low places. Other mentions of the road included adding gravel when needed.

Over the years not only the entrance of the road changed, but so did the signs. According to many of the women who were interviewed, the road came in from the east side of the property that wound around the curve of Putnam Rd. and cars entered at the back of the property.

Later the road entrance was moved to Putnam Road at the south end of the property, which was closer to the lodge. The first reference was in 1955, as the minutes stated a discussion held by the camp committee about the road, and a motion was made to build it. A letter in the files from 1956 offered $600 toward the road from Mr. Miller, but “ the board was not inclined to accept that offer or the possibility of leasing property between his and the camps”.

On February 14, 1956 the camp committee stated the road would be built for $700, with a new hill created behind the archery range, which was a safety measure for the flying arrows of the archery classes.

“They created a new road entrance one year and I remember it was really interesting and great to drive past where the horses were and the new archery range,” said camper Kayleen Jacques, who camped 1956-59, which coincided with the time frame referenced in the minutes.

The entrance was marked by a rustic sign that led the families down the road, through the forested property to the lodge. Staff waited to greet the campers and unload their trunks and suitcases, and the road appeared to come quite close to the lodge in many of the photos.

There were signs made from birch and branches, but an early rustic sign was hand painted. A birch log Maqua sign was built in 1951 by sisters Pat and Nancy O’Tool, and friend Ann Gunn. “We cut the wood, assembled it and then it was transported to the front entrance and lifted high,” said Pat, who said they sweat like pigs in rain coats as the mosquitoes swarmed them.

A gate was to be made in 1958, according to committee minutes. Mr.Tom “Pops” Watson agreed to fashion one from cross logs with a sign in the middle from lumber at the camp. The only expenses were the hinges and rope!

Another addition to the camp property came in the form of the Michigan field stone drinking fountain that was built on the lawn of the lodge facing the road. Stewart Watson, who helped his father Tom with the general camp maintenance, built the fountain in 1954-55. He embedded three copper pennies at the top of the four-sided fountain, which stood for the “Three Coins In A Fountain”, after the movie, which was playing at the time of construction.

How many of you remember the entrance to the camp? Did it feel densely populated with trees? Were you excited to drive down that road or frightened of your unknown experiences?