Irving Michaels Sr. & Martha Michaels were avid fishermen and found themselves frequenting Sebago lake.  Back in the day, the trip from CT to Sebago Lake involved car, train & steamboat. After returning a few years, Martha asked their fishing guide Philip to find a permanent place for our family and friends. They were then introduced to Arvid Ek who ran a camp on Bear Point, originally one of the Dingley Islands. In 1923  Martha convinced Irving to buy the 14 acre property and build a causeway from the mainland to what was an island at that time. At the time of purchase, only the two story “Big House” (built 1890) existed with an Ice house and out house.

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Over the next 25 years, a pavilion (facing west for sunsets) and two additional lodges were built so Martha and Irving could enjoy having their 4 sons and guests from June thru September.  Additionally, two covered boathouses were built in the back bay to house two classic wood Chris-Craft boats for fishing and cruising around the lake.  In 1938, the state of Maine decided to build the Sebago Lake State Park and offered to buy out the Michaels family as well as several other residents on the property, most of which politely declined.  This offered us a unique opportunity to live within a state park and ensure that the wildlife & quiet woods would be preserved.  As time went on, the property on Bear Island grew along with the stories & memories.  A favorite story was how the first shower and running water was negotiated by Zee Michaels in 1962. Shortly thereafter, electricity replaced gas lights and a telephone service arrived.  In 1987, Irving Jr & Zelda Michaels decided to build an all seasons home, The Lair, after he and the remaining brother Roy sold the property to their company, in order to extend their visits to the lake during the spring & fall.  

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Finally, in 2019, Mark & Rose Michaels began to build their dream retirement home on the other side of the island after the sale of the Lair while still maintaining the peace & quiet secluded piece of paradise we call Camp.  The Michaels family continues to  maintain the rustic charm of this unique property and share time with family and friends as Irving and Martha originally envisioned. We hope you’ll enjoy. as we have. the legacy of our beautiful vacation home for years to come.