Our Story: A Legacy Built on Land and Love
The Dream Begins (1956)
It all started with a newspaper ad and a hunting trip. In 1956, Alfred and Helen Taylor were looking for the perfect place to spend their retirement. When they discovered 40 acres of rolling hills and a pristine, 20-acre spring-fed lake in Howell, Michigan, they knew they had found home. They purchased the property for $10,000, falling in love with the sunset views and the quiet woods.
For years, Alfred and his son, Jim, commuted from Dearborn to Howell on weekends, clearing brush and carving out a future from the rustic, roadless terrain.
The “Poor Box” Days
Before the property officially became a campground, it was a local secret. While the land sat unoccupied during the week, locals would often wander in to swim or pitch a tent. Seeing an opportunity, Alfred and Jim placed a wooden drop box across from the house porch. Labeled simply as the “POOR BOX,” it asked for $1.00 per car.
Those few dollars were the first seeds of what would eventually become a family business. Alfred and Helen may have traded their “quiet” retirement for a bustling campground, but they gained a community in return.
Building a Family Landmark
In the 1960s and 70s, Jim Taylor—the true visionary behind Taylor’s Beach Campground—began to develop the land in earnest. Jim was a man of immense work ethic, building much of the infrastructure with his own two hands. Beside him was his wife, Rosemary, who managed the business while raising their four children: Paul, Mark, Debbie, and Alan.
As the kids grew, so did the business. Every family member played a part, learning the value of hard work and the joy of hospitality under Jim and Alfred’s guidance.
The Legend of Jim Taylor
Jim was known for his infectious smile and his dream of creating a “Up North” feel right here in Howell. He poured his blood, sweat, and tears into the grounds, working tirelessly until 2005 when his health began to decline. Before his passing in 2008, he asked his son, Alan, to take the reins and continue the legacy.
“I can’t express how proud I am of my Father and the accomplishments he achieved. He worked his hands to the bone to build a happy place for families.” — Alan Taylor
Taylor’s Beach 2.0
For the last 20 years, Alan has been “recreating, improving, and renovating” the park into what is now known as TBC 2.0. While the amenities have been modernized, the mission remains the same: providing a safe, family-friendly outdoor escape where kids can be kids and campers can leave with a smile.
Today, we honor the sacrifices of Al and Helen and the tireless imagination of Jim. We are blessed to carry on this incredible legacy and welcome your family into ours.