Michago History

We are trying to gather information on the history of Michago. Let us know if you have any historical details that you're willing to share with the community. Here's what we know:

Michago Beach Estates, Inc. is a private community which was founded on July 25, 1975 at the first shareholders meeting of Michago Beach Estates Association. Located on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, the community lies between White Lake and Stony Lake, MI, where Webster Road turns north and becomes Scenic Drive. Michago is divided into 65 lots with vacation cottages, all-season houses, and undeveloped lots.

Michago History
· 1929: Father Furman purchased the 80 acre parcel including the farmhouse and barn

· 1930: Father Furman dies and leaves the property to his nephews.

· 1930's: Albert Furman acquires the property from his brothers and cousins

· 1930's and 40's: Visiting frequently with his wife Elizabeth, son Albert (Bud), and daughter Patricia, Albert installs a bathroom and electricity in the farm house.

· 1940s: Albert modernizes the farm house and builds the big house on the foundation of the old barn.

· 1961: Albert Furman dies and Elizabeth Furman puts the property up for sale.

· 1963: Joe C, Tom D., and Bill N. form a partnership to purchase the property and plan to subdivide it and sell lots. The families share the existing houses with plans to build their own homes in the future.

· c. 1965-66: Bill N. buys the big house.

· c. 1966: Tom D. builds a house on the beach.

· 1967: Joe C. builds his cottage on the bluff overlooking Toboggan and Surfside drives.

· 1970-71: After renting cottages for a couple years, Dwyers buy a lot and build their cottage next to the ball field.


Do you have any more details? When did you buy or build your house? Any fond memories or milestones that you would like to share?

Please add your details/comments here or email them to michagobeach@gmail.com. Continue to check the website, Michago.blogspot.com, for updates. ...Dave D.

Simple Rules to Guide Activities for Residents, Renters, and Guests

As discussed at the annual meeting on July, 4, 2009, here is a copy of the Simple Rules to Guide Activities for Residents, Renters, and Guests. Each cottage/home should have a copy. If you have renters this season, please give them a copy and go over it with them. Many thanks for your cooperation.

Very Pleasant 4th of July Weather

It was a very pleasant 4th of July weekend, weather-wise in Michago. Except for chilly lake temperatures, we were fortunate with sunny days, cool nights, and beautiful sunsets. Here's a glimpse of the sunset on the 4th with some small fireworks to the north.

For those interested, here's a wrap-up of Rothbury Festival.

Michigan's Personal Watercraft Rules

Pictured here and described below are Michigan's requirements for operation of personal watercraft (PWC).

PWC operators must obey additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of personal watercraft on Michigan waters. Requirements Specific to PWCs:

• Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs may not be used. See PFD age restrictions.
• You may not allow a child under 7 years of age to ride on or be towed behind a PWC unless with a parent or guardian or designee of the parent or guardian.
• The lanyard of a PWC's ignition safety switch must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC during the period that begins at sunset and ends at 8:00 a.m. “Sunset” means that time determined by the national weather service.
• PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. It is illegal to: Jump the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel. Weave your PWC through congested traffic. Swerve at the last possible moment to avoid collision.
• A PWC must be operated at "slow, no wake speed" if crossing within 150 feet behind another vessel unless the other vessel is also a PWC.
• You may not operate a PWC within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline unless traveling at "slow, no wake speed" perpendicular to the shoreline.
• You may not operate a PWC in waters less than two feet deep unless you are operating at "slow, no wake speed" or are docking or launching your PWC.
• It is illegal to harass wildlife or disturb aquatic vegetation with your PWC.