Early History & Development
Where it all began...
In the early 1950s, portions of Staples Lake began to take shape as a planned cabin community.
One of the earliest known developments was Nessen’s Sleepy Hollow Shores, located along the north shore of the lake. Records and original plat maps show that cabins were designed and constructed by Nessen Lakeshore of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Documents From the Time Describe
- Privately owned lake cabins
- 4” drilled wells providing water to each cabin
- 220 electric service to each lot
- Excellent sand beach frontage with gradual depth
- Heavily wooded lots with butternut, hickory, birch, oak, pine, and basswood
- Frontage ranging from approximately 75–150 feet per lot
Early Lake Highlights
- Staples Lake was noted as approximately 336 acres in early records.
- It was recognized as one of the finest fishing lakes in the area, known for northern pike, walleye, bass, perch, crappie, and sunfish.
- Early marketing materials emphasized paved road access.
- Proximity to Turtle Lake and Cumberland was highlighted as a key advantage — qualities that continue to define the area today.
As additional documents and firsthand accounts are uncovered, this section will continue to expand.