My family has been on the lake since 1959, when my father drew down my parents’ life insurance policies to purchase the camp for something like $5,000.

Although we lived in Pennsylvania, we were drawn to Maine to visit my mother’s much-loved family who lived in and around Gorham.

Growing up, we spent every summer at the lake, and it was our favorite vacation spot. In those days many families with children stayed here all summer, and my brother, sister and I always looked forward to seeing a group of summer friends and relatives at the lake.

As children, we swam, skied, fished, boated, played games, partied and mostly stayed out of trouble (although, given the statute of limitations, I can now confess to being one of those who often stole the Moy-Mo-Da-Yo Camp totem pole!).

My wife Ann, our four children and I spent our summers here and now the camp is enjoyed by our children, in-laws, grandchildren and friends. Four years ago, we took down the older one-story cabins and rebuilt them with two stories to ensure room for the expanding crew.

Each year we look forward to lobster dinners, Italian sandwiches from Sleepers, occasional visits to Krista’s, hikes up Douglas Mountain, trips to Portland and rainy-day shopping at LL Bean.

As adults, we swim, ski, fish, boat, play games, party, and mostly stay out of trouble. 

We cannot imagine a life without our summers at the lake!