Detroit Finnish Co-operative Summer Camp
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Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association | |
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 Interactive map | |
| Location | 2524 Loon Lake Rd., Wixom, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 42°32′55″N 83°31′3″W / 42.54861°N 83.51750°W |
| Area | 76 acres (31 ha) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architectural style | wooden summer camp |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000723[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 2007 |
| Designated MSHS | October 16, 1997[2] |
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association is a camping facility located at 2524 Loon Lake Road in Wixom, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1997[2] and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.[1]
In about 1906, a group of Detroit-area people of Finnish descent formed the Detroit Finnish Educational Association to preserve and share the traditions of their native land.[3] The Association members participated in communal summer activities, often renting beaches and parks for camping and swimming.[3] In 1925, the Association formed a committee to select a permanent spot for the group's outdoor activities. After some searching, the committee selected the present site, and formed the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association as a separate organization, open to anyone who was "of Finnish descent, Finnish speaking, of good character and [living] in the Detroit area."[3] In June 1925, the Summer Camp Association purchased this land with the purpose of constructing a permanent summer camp .[2] The first sauna was constructed in 1926, and the dance hall in 1927.
Description
The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association, fondly known as “Finn Camp”, is set on a wooded property along Loon Lake, and entirely surrounds the smaller Sun Lake.[2] The property is bounded by Loon Lake, the Hickory Hill Golf and Country Club, the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association subdivision, and the Loon Lake Estates subdivision.
