History of the Lake

History

Some History of Kangaroo Lake

How does one describe Kangaroo Lake’s origins when it was part of Lake Michigan 5000 years ago—give or take a few years? The best and only history of our Kangaroo Lake was published in a book entitled: A History of Kangaroo Lake, sponsored by our Kangaroo Lake Association and expertly authored/edited by Patricia Lewis Williamson, Ph.D., first published in 2005 and recently updated in 2024.

The Third Edition of our History of Kangaroo Lake book was released in March 2024 and boy is it impressive! Patty & Howard Williamson, and their team, did a great job. The second edition was created in 2007 and was 314 pages long. This NEW 3rd Edition is 416 pages with many updates– including 39 pages with color photos.

The price of the 3rd edition of the book is $40. However, the KLA Board has decided to offer the book to current members for a limited time only for $29.95 plus shipping of $5.55. Copies of the books can be picked up locally in Baileys Harbor if desired, please email [email protected] to connect. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please mail your check to: KLA History Book, PO Box 165, Baileys Harbor, WI  54202 OR go online to order and pay via PayPal or credit card by Clicking HERE.

The first 69 pages capture the history and early recollections of our “old-timers” followed by 227 pages of “stories” contributed by owners of lake property and surrounding areas including many pictures and some newspaper articles. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have come before us. You can purchase this book from several resources. For more information,  email the Author.

Some very interesting components from this book:

  • Forward (History of development of this book)
  • Early History of the Area
  • Source of Kangaroo Lake’s name
  • The Causeway
  • Cutting Ice on Kangaroo Lake
  • The Boat Ramp
  • The Kangaroo Lake Association: The early years: 1920’s, 1930’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s
  • Early memories of some of our “old-timers”
  • History of Coyote Roadhouse, hotels, school, resorts, Island, etc.

One doesn’t need to live here to enjoy this great read! Thanks Patty for your inspiring work on this great collection of history and stories.

History_ Cover

A short history of: The Dam.

Another book to consider is Wildflowers of Door County, a Field Guide, Wisconsin’s Unique Floral Preserve, written by KLA Board Member emeriti Paul & Marilyn Mahlberg and published in 2000. It contains wonderful illustrations by Marilyn who also created the colorful paintings found on this Website. This book can be found on Amazon.

Wildflwrs DC