The following Introduction to the MIPCA Control Documents (Bylaws and Rules) was written by Board Member Bob Derleth in the 1970’s. It does a great job of describing how MIPCA came to be, and why this all matters. Read on…

During the late 1800's a few Marquette residents recognized Middle Island Point, then a U.S. Government property, as an ideal spot to build a Camp for weekend and holiday enjoyment. During the early 1900's many more local residents built Camps, occupying most of the desirable Sites, and creating a colony of campers.

The resulting Middle Island Point Campers' Association (MIPCA) was initiated in 1917 when those original campers successfully bid on the land at a Department of Commerce public auction. A governmental condition for a deed to the property made clear no camper or group of campers could own or control the acquired property at the expense of any other camper. The condition was met by establishing common ownership to the property through our Association concept. The Association was established as a Michigan Corporation in 1918.

Through several additional acquisitions, the Association now owns about 650 acres of prime Lake Superior shoreline property. It consists of several miles of sand beach and rock shoreline, a stream and its bayou, additional wetlands, pine forests, and a large uninhabited island 1/2 mile offshore (Partridge Island). The bayou and adjoining wetlands isolate the developed shore property from surrounding private and public lands.

The Association, as a Michigan Corporation, owns all of the land. The Members own or control all of the Stock. The Association has established 56 sites along the shoreline property. Members owning or controlling four (4) shares of Stock are entitled to lease one Site. Each Site is limited to one single family Dwelling and Appurtenant Structures for seasonal or year around living. Since no Member owns a Site, or any other parcel of land, all construction and land Modifications must be approved by the Association through its Board of Directors.

Common ownership is the foundation upon which the Association was built, and has been the key to its successful continuity. Common ownership has provided the Association a means to control property development and to acquire additional land.

The Members of the Association value and appreciate the intrinsic beauty of Middle Island Point and are committed to the preservation of its beauty and isolation. There are regulations limiting land use and Modifications by Members, and there are precautionary rules to avoid fires and to provide safety for Members and guests.

There are not many places one can own a single-family residence and have the freedom to roam and enjoy such an exceptional natural asset. A residence at Middle Island Point has more in common with a residence in a nature preserve than a residence in a typical suburban development.

Individual conduct and property use are subordinate to the preferences of the membership majority. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of Association property, and is considerate of their neighbors and all other members.

Members are expected to explain applicable Association rules to family and guests, and to include Association requirements in contracts and agreements with those they employ. Commercial activity by members and guests is prohibited on all Association property. To avoid potential liability and control the use of Association property, the use of the property by outside groups and organizations requires approval by the Board of Directors.

The membership determines the principles, privileges, restrictions and the procedures by which individual Members will be governed. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to manage the Association's affairs and property accordingly, as set forth in the Control Documents of the Association. The Control Documents include Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Building and Land Modification Code, Lease Agreement, and the Stock Certificate.

All Members share equally in the privileges of the Association and their responsibilities to the Association. The Association is effective when individual Members respect the will of the membership, and the membership respects the preferences of individual Members that are consistent with the principles and regulations of the Association.

Members and prospective members should understand that the content and the intent of the Association Control Documents can be amended by a majority vote of the Outstanding Stock of the Association, provided the Amendments are consistent with the laws and regulations of federal, state and local governments.

The membership has demonstrated a willingness to accept and adjust to change, and through the acceptance of common values and principles, Members continue to enjoy the benefits of outstanding natural beauty within a congenial community.