the water Legend Lake is larger than 98% of the other lakes in Wisconsin. The water covers 1340 acres, is spring fed, and has 47 miles of shore line. It's deepest spot is 74 feet and its water table is 15 feet above Moshawquit Lake which lies to the East. A dam constructed between these two lakes is what created Legend Lake from of the original nine lakes which nature placed there. The lake bottom of these original lakes is readily discernible using a depth finder. Being spring fed, without the normally found pollution carried by rivers, plus the lack of any adjoining farm land which is associated with run-off of fertilizers, keeps the water pristine and the envy of all. Fishing, swimming and boating are enjoyed by all who are fortunate enough to spend time on the water. The majority of shore line is tree covered adding to the natural beauty of the area.

the project In 1968 a Corporation called Lakes Of The Menominees was formed specifically to turn the original nine lakes into a vacation home paradise. The Menominee Tribe turned over 5160 acres of land to the Corporation as their share of the venture capital, to be matched by resources of N. E. Isaacson Inc., a recognized large scale developer. They plotted out 2700 lots and over 1000 acres of "green lands" which are woven into the project giving extra space to the "lots". The owners of off-shore lots, those without direct Lake frontage, were given an "undividable fractional interest" in a specific beach club so that all owners had the enjoyment of beach frontage. There are 41 beach clubs strategically located on prime Lake property. In 1973 the Menominee Tribe terminated it's agreement with the Corporation and sales were terminated. The 707 unsold lots were acquired by the Tribe and placed in trust with the Federal Government. Today, because of additional lots acquired by the Tribe there are 838 lots in trust. Individual Menominees can lease these lots from the Tribe as either recreational or residential. Menominees having a residential lot have a long term lease and build their own home, usually with some Tribal assistance. Of the approx. 1750 lots owned by individuals, about 700 have homes built on them. About 200 of these homes are occupied by permanent residents.

the community The developer built a sales office on the West end of the Lake which was headquarters for the operation. The deeds to property included a provision for the existence of a Lake Association which would inherit the sales office upon completion of the project. That building is now the Legend Lake Property Owners Association Lodge and is owned by that organization. Membership in the Association was mandated by a covenant in the deeds. These covenants have since expired but courts have upheld the mandatory provision of the Articles and By-laws and membership is still mandatory to all property owners. By overwhelming approval the members they adopted restrictions which control property use and building restrictions. All homes are year round, single family, residential. Just as the Charter of the Association did, the LLPOA represents the land owners. A Lake District was recently formed to control the Lake. This is a taxing body recognized as part of County Government and has responsibility and authority over water related matters. Formally, this is the Legend Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District. The lake District is managed by 7 commissioners, 5 of whom are elected by members of the district. All property owners are allowed one vote each in this organization. Another organization that plays a significant roll in our community is the Menominee County Taxpayers Association. The MCTA is the largest taxpayers organization in the state of Wisconsin, boasting over 800 members. Recently they were the driving force to get the State legislators to approve a grant totaling 2.5 million dollars for needed County improvements. Membership in this organization is totally voluntary.

By George Cobb, 2000 - Retired LLPOA Chairman