There is a story that has been passed from generation to generation about the times before this very area next to the Great Lakes which was settled by French explorers in 1679.  A race of people called the Moosuenucoo lived and prospered on the land where Camp Merz stands today.  Their life was simple and plentiful and they had but three simple rules: Live Freely, Honor the Moose, and Protect the Diamond.  Their life was guarded and protected by the great Moose of the Jad-dah’gwah Lake.  The elders of the tribe speak of the times of old when the land was barren and the people gone.  A tribe of Native Americans were passing through the area and stopped at the water’s edge.  They were tired and weak from their travels and knew that the Jad-dah’gwah Lake was safe and a good place to rest.

In the middle of the night there was a great sound coming from the center of the lake, like a storm they have never heard and louder than the great falls from which they were traveling.  Suddenly a giant figure rose from the lake and guided itself across to them.  Standing on the edge of the lake in awe and fear, the people were humbled and terrified that their journey was at an end.  The figure came into the light of their fire and showed itself to be a great yellow Moose bearing a giant yellow rock around its neck.  The Moose, so noble in its presence, spoke to the people and told him of his love for his lake and the land around it.  He told the people that they shall take to the land and build their lives on the very shores where they stand.  The Great Moose then bowed his head and the large yellow rock fell into the hands of the chief of the tribe.  The animal explained that as long as the tribe guarded and protected it their land will prosper and their tribe will become powerful.  The Moose then took his leave and glided back to the center of the lake and was engulfed by the water.

The people of the tribe heeded the words of the Great Moose and honored him and the great yellow rock which was given to them.  In time they learned the Moose was true in his word and their land prospered and their tribe grew.  They soon became know as the Moosuenucoo, people of the Moose.  The great yellow rock stayed in their temple for many moons protected by its people.  They kept a never ending watch on the Jad-dah’gwah Lake in hopes that the Moose would return and he could be thanked and praised for his great wisdom and power.