Boat parades, waterskiing lessons, community bonfires and games of baseball, complete with cow pie bases — “Shady Point at Lake Bavaria” compiles a century’s worth of life on the lake memories in one book.

The book is the brainchild of Audree Sells, Kathy Baker and Linda Ryski. It grew from one simple question Sells asked: “How did it all get started out here?”

“I’m always interested in how things got started,” said Sells.

Two years ago, Sells, Baker and Ryski decided they’d put a call out for stories from current and past residents of Shady Point (located on the south side of Lake Bavaria on the Chaska/Victoria border). More than 50 people responded, sharing details of their cabin’s history along with memories of family and friends — from who had the first motorboat to crushes and shenanigans.

“People actually did a little confessing in this book,” said Baker.

“We’re finding out what makes this place tick,” said Sells, after reading the stories.

“Shady Point at Lake Bavaria” was printed late last year, with 140 copies already spoken for. “It’s everybody’s story,” said Sells.

Reaction to the book has been very positive, the trio noted.

“What a wonderful edition and legacy you three created for Shady Point memories,” wrote Sue Mercier, one of the first former residents to respond to their request for stories.

“You’ve done us a terrific service with these memories,” wrote Julie Degen Paukert.

COMMUNITY

The Shady Point neighborhood emerged just after the turn of the 20th century. It was a summer colony, characterized by small seasonal cottages on narrow lots. Its summer inhabitants came from as nearby as Chaska and as far away as Minneapolis.

Over the years it has been home to doctors, dentists, jewelers and grocers, with many lots bought and sold among friends and relatives.

“People don’t leave,” said Baker.

“It’s generations,” said Ryski.

“It’s very tight-knit,” she continued. “There are so many ways to know people out here.

“It is a community. The lake is what ties.”

Ryski, who has spent most of her life at the lake, said the name “Shady Point” comes from the nature of the land — it’s full of lots of big trees. “Mowing was not necessary due to all the shade, which provided a nice home for the mosquitos and tree roots,” she wrote in her entry for the book.

CHANGE

Today, many of the cottages have evolved into year-round homes. Residents have watched large homes on large lots pop up on the once vacant north side of the lake. And the boats keep getting bigger.

“I have no idea what the founders would think,” said Ryski.

Still, many hold tight to their family cabins, weathering the changes. And yet, some things have not changed. The best example is the annual Fourth of July parade. Each year since 1951, the community has gathered for the parade, dressing in their patriotic best (or dressing to fit whatever theme had been announced) to walk down the narrow streets happily waving to friends and neighbors.

“We talk about downsizing,” said Ryski. “But I don’t want to give up this neighborhood or the water. The water is my psychiatrist, my soother.”

Ryski feels lucky to live on Lake Bavaria. And she isn’t alone.

“You get the feeling when you read the book of how idyllic life is out here,” said Sells.

To order a copy, visit the Chaska History Center, the Carver County Historical Society or contact Linda Ryski at jlryski@comcast.net.