 In 1855 a schooner owned by George W. Tifft of Cleveland was caught in a gale on Lake Michigan and driven before the wind.Imagine the surprise of Captain Snow when he found a previously little known river outlet and harbor which provided a safe refuge.Thus, Aux Becs Scies Lake was discovered by an outside investor, George W. Tifft, who purchased most of the land around and adjoining the lake (more than a thousand acres (4 km²) all together).