Life Is Slower By The Lake
In this article, our gaze sets on the littler things! Among the vast array of Lake Minnetonka postcards, there are many depicting “everyday” scenes. In my effort to choose one that I thought was worthy of today’s discussion, this card called out for the spotlight.
In a collection of nearly 1000 postcards, I have only one of these. The reason I only have one is because I find it a profoundly eery image. Looking too long at it is like looking into the eyes of a porcelain doll that’s just a little too realistic. The distant shoreline is devoid of any landmarks or distinctive trees. Instead, it’s a long and thin line separating a bleak sky from near placid waters. The figures themselves look almost skeletal, with faces that were too small for the era’s printers to lend any real detail. To top it all off, the caption of the card simply reads, “Lake Minnetonka.” showing a distinct lack of place among the lake’s many bays and towns.
Yet, despite its eeriness, and my impulse to look away from the figures, I find that it does one great justice. . . It perfectly depicts the average person’s experience on Minnetonka at any point between 1850 - 1930. The dock is wood and built by hand. The small rowboats have no engine and seat only a handful of people. Folks wear straw hats to shade themselves from the summer sun and, occasionally, dip them into the lake for an added cooling effect. It’s a time where the lake, large as it may be today, felt even larger and wilder.
For the average person, the lake is a summer’s retreat. Whether staying at a hotel, inn, or at either a rented or owned cottage, the lake is a place to get away from the bustle of city life or sweltering southern summers. Gazing out upon the waves one’s view is largely undisturbed before reaching the opposite shore, save for the occasional steamer or rowboat.
Those who are fortunate enough to have a private cottage might grow cucumber, apricot, berries, rhubarb, carrots, and apples. They might hunt rabbit, turtle, deer, and fish within sight of home. Particularly warm sunsets can be enjoyed by rowboat. So can the occasional church service, if they’re in the right area.
Paradoxically, the most plain Lake Minnetonka postcard brings some of the most calming sentiments of days gone by, if only you’re willing to look past the immediate feeling of dread that it might give. In a sea of postcards with much to ponder over, it’s proved to be one that I often find myself seeking out. . .