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How It All Started

In the midst of the rugged beauty of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia, Canada, an enigma lurked beneath the glistening waters. The indigenous people of the area had once spoken quietly of the Shuswaggi, an enigmatic lake creature integral to their ancient folklore. Now, this legend was poised to transcend time, imprinted onto clothing and other lake life items by a burgeoning brand known as Shuswaggi.

At the heart of this story was the McCardle family, driven by their deep attachment to the lake. Since 1972, they had embarked on annual family vacations, dedicating themselves to beach-combing for logs and chopping wood for their Aunt May and Uncle Jack, who had lived on the lake since the 1950s. Amid these moments of work and play, storytelling became a cherished activity.

One particularly vivid chapter involved Aunt May Allen, who lived on Shuswap Lake's Paradise Point since the early 1950s. In the 1970s, Aunt May witnessed a sighting that left a lasting impression.

Stationed by the tranquil expanse of her lakefront home, Aunt May saw a serpentine form gliding gracefully along the underwater precipice. Excitedly, she called her neighbour, urging her to witness the spectacle. Together, they watched the creature's movements beneath the waves. This scene became a shared memory, one that Aunt May frequently recounted to her grandchildren.

 

A young Shane McCardle, captivated by Aunt May's tale, impulsively proclaimed, "It's the Shushwoggy!" Laughter and excitement filled the air as Shane inadvertently named the creature, a name that would echo through the family's history.

Year after year, the McCardle family returned to Shuswap Lake, retelling the Shushwoggy (how the family said the monster's name) story. Siblings, cousins, and friends joined in, their summers marked by playful cries of "Beware the Shushwoggy!" Laughter erupted as they scrambled out of the water, a mix of excitement and playful fear.

Dan McCardle, the father of the family, added his own flair to the tales. He would tell stories of how the Shushwoggy would come out of the water at times to eat the blue dandelions that were found on the shores of the lake. His imaginative additions captivated the children, making the legend even more vivid and enchanting.

 

Shawn McCardle, now a resident along Shuswap Lake's shoreline, took on the role of storyteller. His voice kept the legend of the Shuswaggi alive, resonating with each tale he shared.

 

Thus, Shuswaggi emerged not just as a brand, but as a vessel of cherished memories. Each piece of clothing adorned with the Shuswaggi's likeness invited visitors to become part of the legend. Shuswaggi attire was more than fabric; it embodied the laughter, companionship, and wonder that had united generations.

 

Whether worn by a curious traveler or a local resident, each piece of Shuswaggi apparel and lake necessity carried the essence of the Shuswaggi legend. The McCardle family's goal was simple: to share their history and joy, offering a piece of their cherished folklore to all. Each stitch and design wove the story of Shuswap Lake, inviting wearers to carry a fragment of their devotion to the waters and the narratives they held

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