Door County History Days

Baileys Harbor Historical Society

8061 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 baileysharborhistoricalsociety.org

920-839-2366

Belgian Heritage Center

1255 Cty DK, Brussels, WI 54204 belgianheritage.org

920-493-5969

Bjorklunden Boynton Chapel

7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor 54202 lawrence.edu/bjorklunden

920-839-2216

Heritage Village at Big Creek

2041 Michigan Ave. Sturgeon Bay, 54235 doorcountyhistoricalsociety. org/heritage-village

920-746-5895

Door County Library & Archives

107 S. 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 www.co.door.wi.gov/650/ Door-County-Archives

920-746-7137 – Archives

920-743-6578 – Library

Door County Bookmobile

7860 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209 bookmobiledoorcounty.org

920-868-3717

Door County Historical Museum

18 N. 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 doorcountymuseum.org

920-743-5809

Door County Historical Society

P.O. Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235 doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org

920-421-2332

Door County Maritime Museum

120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 dcmm.org

920-743-5958

Egg Harbor Historical Society

P.O. Box 264, Egg Harbor WI 54209 eggharborwi.org

920-421-0790

Ephraim Historical Foundation

3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim, WI 54211 ephraim.org

920-854-9688

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

P.O. Box 61, Washington Island, WI 54246 plumandpilot.org

262-613-4680

Gibraltar Historical Association History Center

4167 Hwy 42, Fish Creek, WI 54211 historicnoble.org

920-898-2091

History Days Celebrates Door County’s Untold Stories

The second edition of Door County History Days, celebrating the untold stories of Door County, is here!

The cultural institutions of Door County are coming together to celebrate the peninsula’s history and heritage from June 19-25

The week-long celebration features events and programs

from institutions across the county.

From the Belgian Heritage Center in Southern Door County to Jacobsen Museum on Washington Island, history will be on display for all to discover.

Information about participating institutions, special programs, and more can be found on

the alliance’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ heritageallianceofdoorcounty.

The official start of Door County History Days will be commemorated with a kickoff event at the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay on June 19. Join us in discovering untold stories during History Days and every day!

History Days Kickoff Event

Miller Art Museum

June 19, 11 am

Miller Art Museum

107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay

Join the Heritage Alliance of Door County at the Miller Art Museum on Monday, June 19 at 11 am to explore the ‘Untold Stories’ of Door County! Enjoy family friendly hands-on demonstrations and refreshments provided by Scaturos Baking Co & Cafe and Pinky Promise Coffee.

Julie Gilbert, Destination Door County CEO, Christian Overland, Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society; Joel Kitchens, Member

OUR COVER

of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 1st district; André Jacques, Member of the Wisconsin State Senate from the 1st district; and representatives from the office of Mike Gallagher, U.S. Congressman Representing the 8th district of Wisconsin will be in attendance to give remarks on the importance of exploring the ‘Untold Stories’ of our local, regional, and larger communities. Meet organizations located throughout Door County who will be offering unique experiences during History Days and learn more about this week-long celebration of Door County history.

Handcrafted by Winifred and Donald Boynton between 1939 and 1947 on the grounds of their summer residence, Borklunden’s Boynton Chapel in Baileys Harbor is modeled after the Garmo stave church at Maihaugen in Lillehammer, Norway. The chapel contains 41 hand-painted frescoes and numerous exceptionally fine carved-wood furnishings. Bjorklunden will have several events during History Days, including tours of the chapel, see the enclosed schedule.

Heritage Alliance of Door County

The Heritage Alliance of Door County is a collaborative group made up of museums, historical societies, and educational institutions in Door County. The group exists to facilitate cooperation, collaboration and mutual promotion within the Door County historical community and is open to all historically interested individuals in Door County, Wisconsin, regardless of membership in any other entity or association.

Telling Your Untold Stories

Steven Rice, Door County Historical Museum

Iremember when I first learned about my biological grandfather. My mother and I were having dinner and talking about family. I was about thirteen, cocky and full of confidence, and I told mom that nothing she could say would shock me.

“Okay,” she said. “What if I told you that Grandpa Jim wasn’t really your grandfather?”

I nearly fell out of my chair. That night I heard an untold story, one my mother herself had only learned in her late teens from her grandmother. I saw a new face in a carefully preserved wedding album, a debonair man with a pencil mustache who I had never seen. My family was not what I had imagined. My origins were more complicated, more difficult.

I understood my mother and myself in a new and more honest way.

At Door County History Days this year, historical

organizations throughout the county will share untold stories on a grand scale. From the experiences of Wisconsin First Nations told in their own words, to forgotten political campaigns and sagas of preservation gone awry; to hidden foodways and pioneering artists; Door County history will shine through in all its extraordinary diversity. History, however, is not made up of only these broad brushstrokes.

As you attend History Days Events and enjoy the Door County Summer with friends and family, think about your own untold stories and how to share them. Just as diverse perspectives and hidden histories enrich our understanding of our county’s past, so too do the unexpected corners of our own lives enrich our relationships. History lives within us and moves through us every day. Every life experience is a piece of us, and however meaningless it might

seem in the moment, it grows and blooms through the act of sharing.

Talk about the people who matter to you most. Share both the happy memories and the times of struggle. Remember those who have passed on and tell the stories they shared with you. Think of the places in Door County that matter most to you, and invite others to savor them and learn their history. Connect generations through remembering – the bedrock on which all history is built. Find your untold story and give it to the world.

Mom passed away in April of 2022. In May of this year, I met her half-brother, my uncle, for the first time. He had last seen mom as a baby, coming home from the hospital in his father’s arms. For years afterward, he wondered what had become of his sister. She was his untold story, and it was my privilege to be able to tell it.

Horseshoe Bay Farms

7212 Horseshoe Bay Rd, Egg Harbor, WI 54209 horseshoebayfarms.org

920-868-3968

Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum Jackson Harbor Road Washington Island, WI 54246 (920) 847-2522

Jacksonport Historical Society 6144 Hwy 57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Jacksonporthistoricalsociety.org

920-743-6415

Liberty Grove Historical Society 11831 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 libertygrovehistorical.org

920-680-1942

Miller Art Museum 107 S. 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 millerartmuseum.org

920.746.0707

Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association 5005 Country View Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 valmythresheree.org

Sevastopol Historical Society 4528 Hwy 57, Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 920-493-4522

Sister Bay Historical Society 10310 Fieldcrest Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234 sisterbayhistory.org

920-854-7680

Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation P.O. Box 827, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 sturgeonbayhistoricalsociety.org doorcountygranary.org

920-278-2301

Washington Island Archives 910 Main Road, Washington Island, WI 54246 washingtonisland-wi.gov/ archives-committee

920-847-3072

Write On, Door County 4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek, WI 54212 Writeondoorcounty.org 920-868-1457

2023 History Days Schedule of Events

MONDAY, JUNE 19

History Days Kickoff

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Miller Art Museum

107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay

Join the Heritage Alliance of Door County at the Miller Art Museum

Monday, June 19 at 11am to explore the ‘Untold Stories’ of Door County! Family friendly hands-on demonstrations and refreshments provided by Scaturos Baking Co & Cafe and Pinky Promise Coffee.

Christian Overland, Ruth & Hartley

Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society; Joel Kitchens, Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 1st district; André Jacques, Member of the Wisconsin State Senate from the 1st district; and representatives from the office of Mike Gallagher, U.S. Congressman Representing the 8th district of Wisconsin will be in attendance to give remarks on the

importance of exploring the ‘Untold Stories’ of our local, regional, and larger communities. Meet organizations located throughout Door County who will be offering unique experinces during History Days and learn more about this week-long celebration of Door County history.

Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Miller Art Museum M3

142 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself.

Just for kids: “Tint” a black and white image using the materials provided. Inspired by the hand tinted photographs by Winifred Boyton on

display at M3 as part of History Days. Get Creative: Winifred Boynton built the Boynton chapel in the 1940’s to perpetuate peace in the world. Add to the peace collage and share what peace looks like to you!

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM -- 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Boynton Chapel Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bjorklunden

7590 Boynton Ln, Baileys Harbor

Visit, view, and learn about the Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel that is the icon of Björklunden and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan. Created by Donald and Winifred Boynton in order to ring peace into the world during WWII, the Boynton Chapel stands as a potent emblem of creativity, faith, craftsmanship, and spiritual renewal. The chapel features exquisite architecture, hand carved sculptures, and painted frescoes throughout.

History of Door County Diving Clubs featuring the Alvin Clark

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion

7845 Church St, Egg Harbor

When one drives up the door peninsula, there are anchors, rudders, and bowsprits in front of lawns, businesses, and museums. Have you ever wondered where they have come from or why they are there? come learn about the history of Door

County Diving Clubs and how their actions have affected the history of shipwrecks in the county.

The Door Reminder- Let’s Chat with Lon Kopitzke and Trudy Fandrei

7:00:00 PM - 8:00 PM

11831 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay

Join Lon Kopitske and Trudy Fandrei as they share stories from the 60 year history of The Door Reminder, a once valuable resource for Door County residents and visitors.

TUESDAY JUNE 20

Alma Folda’s Pinch Pie

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Pioneer Schoolhouse, 9998 Moravia Street, Ephraim

Meet Alma Folda (portrayed by EHF Educator Kathleen Harris) and hear her story of summering on Horseshoe Island in the early 1900s. Sample Alma’s “from scratch” pinch pie recipe, which appeared in the 1931 edition of Joy of Cooking (while supplies last).

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Smörgåsbord: Curator’s Tour

11:00 AM -12:00 PM

Anderson Barn Museum, 3060

Anderson Lane, Ephraim

Join the curator for a walkthrough of the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s annual exhibit! Smörgåsbord examines the Village of Ephraim’s food history, featuring objects and photographs from Ephraim’s historic hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Photo: Belgian Heritage Center

Modern Diving Clubs and the Science of

Shipwrecks

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Door County Maritime Museum

120 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay

Why do shipwrecks fall apart when they are brought on to land, yet somehow remain intact underwater for decades? In this activity, learn about what happens to different submerged items and what happens when they are taken out of the water, as well as how diving clubs have changed to preserve and appreciate them.

The History of Door County Medical Center

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Corner of the Past Museum Koessel Barn

10310 Fieldcrest Rd, Sister Bay

From their founding in 1943 to the opening of the new Sister Bay Clinic and Rehab Center in 2023. Join Brian Stephens, CEO of Door County Medical Center to discuss the history of DCMC, how healthcare needs are

changing in Door County, and how the new Sister Bay facility will help to address those needs.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 21

Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Miller Art Museum M3

142 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay

Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself. Just for kids: “Tint” a black and white image using the materials provided. Inspired by the hand tinted photographs by Winifred Boyton on display at M3 as part of History Days. Get Creative: Winifred Boynton built the Boynton chapel in the 1940’s to perpetuate peace in the world. Add to the peace collage and share what peace looks like to you!

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Drop-in Workshop: Food History at Home

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Anderson Barn Museum, 3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim

Behind every recipe is a piece of your history. Bring along a favorite family recipe for this workshop on writing your food history at home, drop in anytime between 1-3pm.

Cabin Vacationing 1920s Style

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Jacobsens Museum

2150 Little Lake Rd, Washington Island

Go back in time to view a vacation cabin built by hand in the 1920s.

Boynton Chapel Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bjorklunden

7590 Boynton Ln, Baileys Harbor

Visit, view, and learn about the Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel that

is the icon of Björklunden and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan.

Created by Donald and Winifred Boynton in order to ring peace into the world during WWII, the Boynton Chapel stands as a potent emblem of creativity, faith, craftsmanship, and spiritual renewal. The chapel features exquisite architecture, hand carved sculptures, and painted frescoes throughout.

Your Community, Your History: How to begin researching local history

3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Fish Creek Library

4097 WI Hwy 42, Fish Creek

Those who are unfamiliar with Door County’s rich history can often find historical research and resources overwhelming. Door County Historical Museum Assistant Curator Matt Adelman will guide you through the process, proving that anyone with a curiosity for local history or genealogy can start their own journey into research with the right tools and resources.

Photo: Door County Maritime Museum

Photo: Main Street, Sister Bay.

The Fruits of Labor

by Jeff O’Keefe Curator & Collections Manager, Ephraim Historical Foundation

Behind the millions of pounds of cherries harvested from Door County’s orchards every year, there are complex histories. Amongst these oftenuntold histories are stories tied to labor availability, domestic policy, and workers’ rights.

The explosion of the cherry crop in Door County from 1910 to the 1920s saw hundreds of thousands of cherry trees planted across the peninsula. The sheer quantity of fruit to pick quickly outgrew the availability of family and local labor as Door County’s “Cherryland” moniker became known across the country. Door County orchards soon depended upon contracted labor to assist in the harvest every summer. They were first aided by Native American families and camps of young people recruited from cities.

As the United States entered World War II in late 1941, the decrease of labor available domestically led to questions regarding the resources needed to harvest the crops that would fuel the war effort. Two programs

were established to help provide farms with the labor they needed to maximize production. The Mexican Farm Labor Agreement, or Bracero Program, focused on negotiations between Mexico and the U.S., bringing in millions of workers between 1942 and 1964 while outlining protections regarding wages and working conditions. Unfortunately, these agreements fell short as workers were subjected to substandard living conditions and discrimination. The Emergency Farm Labor Program assigned the State Extension Services of the Department of Agriculture with recruiting and placing domestic and foreign laborers. Together these programs brought several thousand workers to Wisconsin, including people of Jamaican, Mexican, Barbadian, Bahamian, and Honduran nationalities, and even German and Italian POWs. Orchards throughout Door County relied heavily on these programs throughout the war and beyond. With only 80 foreign workers placed in 1943, the numbers quickly surged to over 1,200 in both 1944 and 1945,

with the peak population of foreign workers in Door County hitting almost 2,500 in 1946. This peak year coincided with the largest harvest of cherries in the state – 40 million pounds of fruit picked, creating $5.2 million in farm value, with 60% of the harvesting done by foreign laborers.

While the Emergency Farm Labor Program was terminated in 1948, the Bracero Program continued with a variety of agreements between the U.S. and Mexico to supply migrant laborers until 1964. The Wisconsin State Employment Service (WSES) regained the responsibility of placing domestic and foreign laborers in the state following World War II. The WSES continued to assist orchards throughout the 1950s, bringing in up to 10,000 migrant workers a year at the peak of the cherry industry.

As you enjoy our cherries and cherry orchards, know you are enjoying the fruits of hard, often overlooked labor.

History Days Schedule of Events

Play Reading Club: “Loose Lips Sink Ships”

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Door County Library Jane Greene Room, 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay Actors from Third Avenue Playworks and Northern Sky Theater collaborate in this reading of the classic musical about female shipyard workers during World War II.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

Roots of Our Village Walking Tour

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Meet at the Olga Dana Green, across from the Ephraim Visitor Information Center

10049 Water Street, Ephraim

Who was Olga Dana? Which nearby buildings did notable architect William Bernhard design? Local history and Door County’s landscape featured on this mile-long tour that includes a jaunt along Moravia St to view the Niagara Escarpment. Rolling terrain, moderate hiking.

Uncovering Stones to Discover Your Past

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Juddville Cemetery

8683 Gibraltar Bluff Road, Fish Creek

Join us to discover the best practices for headstone care and find what lies beneath the moss, lichens, and debris. We are preserving the past the right way. We will show Proper tools and cleaning products, and tips on cemetery rules and headstone ownership. Come and discover more about our past, and what lies beneath.

Exploring the Boynton Chapel through the Eyes of Winifred Boynton

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Miller Art Museum M3

142 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay

Illustrations and photographs of the delightful details of the Boynton Chapel will be on display in the gallery. Works on display created by the hand of Winifred Boynton herself. Just for kids: “Tint” a black and white image using the materials

provided. Inspired by the hand tinted photographs by Winifred Boyton on display at M3 as part of History Days.

Get Creative: Winifred Boynton built the Boynton chapel in the 1940’s to perpetuate peace in the world. Add to the peace collage and share what peace looks like to you!

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

The Belgian Settlement and the True Story of the Historic St. Mary of the Snows Cemetery

1:00 PM

1255 County Highway DK, Brussels

The first Belgians came to Northeast Wisconsin 170 years ago. Learn about their settlements as well as the unique cemetery situated on the campus of the Belgian Heritage Center.

History Speaks: Connections

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Meet at The Ridges Sanctuary. The Ephraim Historical Foundation is teaming up with The Ridges Sanctuary to share stories about people with ties to both organizations - Harold Wilson, Roy Lukas, Bill Beckstrom, Sarah Wright and others. What can we learn from their legacy? How do these 20th century preservationists continue to shape Door County today?

Interactive discussion features archival items. Optional trail walk, weather permitting.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum

Reopening!

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Jackson Harbor Road, Washington Island

This popular museum will open again today after four years. Join us to celebrate and take part in activities for all ages related to Washington Island, its people, boats, and water.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Indigenous Literature Discussion

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Heritage Village at Big Creek

2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay

As part of Door County Historical Society’s History Lit series, come explore writings celebrating indigenous culture. Lear where to find native stories, and how to support native artists. In celebration of History Days, a special book signing and discussion with an indigenous author will be featured.

The Lost Road - The Hidden Story of Casgrain’s Cranberry Marsh

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Door County Library Jane Greene Room

107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay

Time has erased this road from the landscape, which at one time led to a cranberry bog in a remote section of Sturgeon Bay Township, north of the

Photo: Steamship Carolina in Sister Bay.

How the Piggly Wiggly Came to Sister Bay

Before 1985, instead of a shopping center on top of the Sister Bay hill, visitors heading to and from the village passed by an old orchard. But a group of developers — Bob Hastings, Tom Nelson, Warren Gustafson, James Cuene and Allen Ross — saw a prime location for a new outdoor shopping center to serve Northern Door, and created what we now know as the Country Walk Shops. When they needed a grocery store as the anchor, the group reached out to grocers Tom and Dan Nesbitt. The Nesbitts owned two Piggly Wiggly stores, including one in Sturgeon Bay, and believed they were the right fit for the project. Though grateful to be approached, the Nesbitts were also unsure about expanding into such a small community.

“It was a scary process because this was a very small community, and tourism business was not what it is today,” Tom Nesbitt said. “It was very quiet up here in the winter months, so we had to take that into consideration when we were deciding on moving forward with the new store.”

The Nesbitts have deep roots in the grocery business. Tom’s father, Leo Nesbitt, owned a Bi-Low Grocery store in Oshkosh as well as meat markets in Plymouth and Sturgeon Bay. In 1956, his father opened the first Piggly

Wiggly in Door County on the corner of 6th and Jefferson in Sturgeon Bay. (Jim Nesbitt, Dan’s father, managed the Sturgeon Bay store until his retirement in 1976.)

The Nesbitts seemed the perfect fit for the location. It was a risky move with such a small year-round

population, but Tom and Dan Nesbitt jumped into the project and never looked back. The Sister Bay Piggly Wiggly opened in April 1983.

The local community welcomed the new store with open arms, even if things started a bit slow, as Tom Nebitt recalled on opening day. “We had our

Celebrating the proud history of Door County!

Grand Opening, which are usually fairly big events, but there wasn’t much business. It was a little scary at first, but seven years later, we needed to add on additions.”

The first addition to the Piggly Wiggly happened in 1990. The original building was 8,900 square feet, and the first new addition added 3,500 square feet while creating the bakery-deli section. Another two additions also happened in the 1990s. A lobby with cart storage was added in 1994, and a truck dock was added in 1996. The store remained relatively unchanged until the big remodel in 2018. With summer tourism causing congestion, the remodel turned the 13,600 square foot store into nearly 27,000 square feet of expanded office, storage, and food and liquor department space. Finally, the aisles were widened to make shopping easier.

The Nesbitts didn’t want to cut the community off from their main grocery store for long months of renovation, so the Piggly Wiggly remained open.

In May 2023, a new parking lot was installed, completing just before Memorial Day weekend. It included beautiful new landscaping and changed the flow of parking and traffic to make it safer for shoppers walking in and out of the store.

History Days Schedule of Events

canal. This story of the people and the enterprise that briefly flourished there in the late 1800’s sheds some light on the early history of this locale.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Open Door Pride: Creative Hub

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Miller Art Museum M3

142 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay Stop by M3 during the Open Door

Pride event for the What’s My Pride? photo exhibit and selfie station, where you can add to the archive, as well as free crafts and family fun!

Season Opener 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

11831 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay

Join us in celebrating the official opening of the LGHS museum buildings for the 2023 season on

Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Docents will be on site. Onsite Veterans Memorial/Circle of Honor and Heritage Walkway. Access to scenic overlook. Plenty of parking and seating available.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Indigenous Stories

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Heritage Village at Big Creek

2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay

Join tribal representatives and

Hotel Washington’s Early Days

By Jeannie Kokes

During hot summer months in the early 1900’s, people with resources escaped the oppressive heat of Midwest cites by traveling on one of the Goodrich steamships up the coast of Lake Michigan to Door County. Some adventurous families continued on across Death’s Door passage disembarking at Washington Harbor. Wickman Livery transported them by buggy to one of the popular resorts or boarding houses on the island. In 1905, Ben Johnson added his name to these early enterprising entrepreneurs who offered food and lodging by the week to visitors. Ben was born in Iceland in 1875 and as a boy of 12 came with his family to the United States. Within a few years, Ben was working as a porter and cook on ships sailing on the Great Lakes. Time in port proved to be fortunate for Ben as he courted and married in 1900 a local favorite, Effie Gislason. Her father, John Gislason, owned a popular country store in the area of the island known as Jensenville.

Soon Gislason was constructing a series of cottages along the lake in Detroit Harbor. A grand plan emerged as Ben and Effie had Louis Gunnlaugsson, a local carpenter, build a hotel across the street from

those cottages. Construction began in 1904 and Louis celebrated his wedding the next year at the hotel. A cedar pole tower was built in the back yard. On top was placed a metal tank constructed in Sturgeon Bay. Water

was drawn up to the tank by hose from Detroit Harbor and then taken by pitchers to the sleeping rooms. As a popular location for weddings, special events and Sunday ice cream socials, guests could receive room and board for $4 a day:

Excellent table, plain wholesome home cooking at its best Rates reasonable, Local and Long Distance phones

On June 21 for History Days, another unique historic building on the island will again be open for viewing. Jens Jacobsen, a popular island resident came from Denmark as a young man. He built log cabin vacation homes near Little Lake in the 1930’s. When newly constructed, the cabins were a step above camping providing shelter but no running water or electricity. He built the Jacobsen Museum in 1931 to hold his collection of crafts and Native American artifacts. His family gifted the museum to Washington Island for all to enjoy.

local Door County historians as they explore the importance of Indigenous storytelling. Come learn about prominent native figures in Door County’s history, and discover firsthand the vibrant living cultures of the region’s tribal groups. Light refreshments available for a small donation.

Sharing Under the Family Tree

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Door County Library Jane Greene

Room

107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay

Join Steven Rice from the Door County Historical Museum to learn about sharing your family stories. Bring a member of your family from every generation to put together a family tree craft and share the stories

that make your family unique.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Waffle Breakfast

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

1255 County Highway DK, Brussels

Enjoy this traditional Belgian breakfast which includes homemade waffles, scrambled eggs, Belgian trippe, and a beverage. Adults $12, Kids $7 (three and under free)

Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum

Guided Tours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island State Park

Join Friends of Rock Island State Park docents for a guided tour of the historic Pottawatomie lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters.

Historic site information

(1) Alexander Noble House Museum

4167  Main Street, Fish Creek

This Greek Revival farmhouse was built in 1875 and lived in by three generations of the Noble family. You can enjoy a tour of the 10-room home, with new exhibits each year. This museum is a must-see listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Noble House is the starting point for the audio walking tour and seasonal docentled tours, consisting of 23 historic sites.

(2) Anderson Store Museum

3081 Anderson Lane, Ephraim

Opened in 1858, The Anderson Store was owned and operated by the same family for 100 years. In 1958, the property was taken over by the Ephraim Historical Foundation. Visitors can step back in time and see how the store would have looked while still in operation.

(3) Asa Thorp’s Cabin

4189 Main Street, Fish Creek

Asa Thorp, the founder of Fish Creek, established an early pier, warehouse, and sawmill to supply residents and ship captains with supplies and cordwood. Later Asa and Eliza ran the Thorp Hotel, the second oldest in the state. This log cabin, built in 1849, is his original home.

(4) Baileys Harbor History Along The Way

Go back and forth in time by viewing five groupings of historic images along the sidewalks of Baileys Harbor. Visit historyalongtheway.com for the most up-to-date map.

(5) Belgian Heritage Center

1255 County Road DK, Brussels

The Belgian Heritage Center tells the story of the Belgian settlement in Wisconsin and works to preserve unique elements of Belgian culture, architecture and the Walloon language. Also on the campus is a 1894 schoolhouse and convent, a typical Belgian roadside chapel, and historic St. Mary of the Snows Cemetery.

(6) Björklunden Baileys Harbor

Björklunden is the northern campus of Lawrence University. The 425-acre estate is on Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin, just south of Baileys Harbor.

(7) Cana Island Lighthouse

8800 East Cana Island Road Baileys Harbor

Ride a hay wagon over the causeway to explore the island, including the 89-foot-tall tower, the original home of the lighthouse keeper and his family, and the oil house

where fuel for the light was stored. Climb the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase for a stunning view from the gallery deck.

(8) Corner of the Past Museum

10310 Fieldcrest Road, Sister Bay

Operated by the Sister Bay Historical Society, Corner of the Past includes the Old Anderson House Museum plus 15 other historical buildings. Machine shed photo gallery features unique images dating back to pioneer settlers.

(9) Death’s Door Maritime Museum

12724 West Wisconsin Bay Road

The Death’s Door Maritime Museum traces the area’s commercial fishing tradition and features a fishing boat, shipwreck and scuba diving exhibits and information on Death’s Door passage.

(10) Door County Bookmobile

Egg Harbor

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Egg Harbor Historical Society re-launched the “History on the Move” project to restore and transform a genuine, last remaining, Door County Bookmobile. The new and revised mission and purpose of the Bookmobile focuses on education, history and community.

(11) Door County Granary

92 E. Maple Street Sturgeon Bay

Originally built in 1901, the Teweles and Brandeis Grain Elevator is the last vestige of a busy, agriculturally-oriented, commercial wharf on the west-waterfront of Sturgeon Bay. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, it is being rehabilitated and repurposed as the Door County Granary. The Granary pays homage to Door County’s agricultural heritage and will serve as a living museum, community pavilion, and historic landmark. Expected to open to the public in 2024.

(12) Door County Library

Featuring eight library branches: Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Forestville, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Washington Island and the main branch in Sturgeon Bay. All libraries serve the information needs of children, teens and adults, year-round and seasonal residents, and visitors.

(13) Door County Historical Museum

18 North 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay

The Door County Historical Museum has educated locals and visitors alike about the history of the Door Peninsula since 1939. The Museum features a rich and varied collection of Door County artifacts and exhibits, including

The Door County Maritime Museum features displays and artifacts of the area’s rich maritime history. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

Vintage fire trucks at the Door County Historical Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Photo by Len Villano.

vintage fire trucks, a fully functional jail cell, and the spectacular Seasons of Life wildlife diorama.

(14) Door County Maritime Museum

120 North Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay

Located on Sturgeon Bay’s west-waterfront, the Door County Maritime Museum showcases the area’s rich maritime roots through guided tours, exhibits, artifacts, presentations and is now home to the new Maritime Lighthouse Tower.

(15) Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

10249 Shore Rd, Fish Creek

Brick lighthouse perched atop a 76-foot-high bluff was built in 1868 and guided schooners and steamboats through the Strawberry Channel. It is now a museum with some of the keeper’s original furnishings and artifacts.

(16) Ephraim Fire House Museum

9970 Water Street, Ephraim, WI 54211

Keeping watch over the waters of Eagle Harbor, the Ephraim Fire House Museum features historic fire trucks, fire fighting equipment and memorabilia.

(17) Ephraim Historical Foundation

& Anderson Barn Museum

3060 Anderson Lane, Ephraim

Founded in 1949, the Ephraim Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving, sustaining and sharing the history, culture and beauty of Ephraim. The Historical Foundation operates a wide variety of historic attractions in Ephraim across six historic buildings. The Anderson Barn Museum is home to an annual feature exhibition and the starting point for all Ephraim Historical Society led walking and tram tours.

(18) Heritage Village at Big Creek

2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay

Eight historic Door County buildings provide a glimpse into the lives of the peninsula’s settlers and an understanding of community. Walking paths, gardens, and the trails of Crossroads at Big Creek adjoin the village.

(19) Horseshoe Bay Farms

7212 Horseshoe Bay Rd., Egg Harbor

In the 1910s the farm was the largest employer in Door County and one of the most innovative dairy operations in the state. It’s now owned by a nonprofit working to rehabilitate the barns and grounds.

(20) Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum

Established in 1978, this collection of buildings located on the site of an original Washington Island fishing community tell the story of islanders and their relationship with the water surrounding them.

(21) Jacobsens Museum

2150 Little Lake Road, Washington Island

Constructed in 1931 by Jens Jacobsen, this vertical cedar log museum contains hand carved ship models, Danish crafts, and other exhibits that tell the history of Washington Island.

(22) Liberty Grove Historical Society Museum

11831 Highway 42, Ellison Bay

Enjoy the iconic view from the top of the hill as you browse the museum grounds of the former Johnson-Hanson Century Farm overlooking beautiful Ellison Bay. Walking paths lead visitors from the Circle of Honor to the Log House all while taking in

a collection of carefully maintained historic structures and features of Liberty Grove.

(23) Norb Blei’s Coop at Write On, Door County

4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek

The most esteemed chronicler of Door County’s artists and characters did most of his writing in a converted chicken coop on his property in Ellison Bay. It now rests on the grounds of Write On, Door County, where you can arrange a visit by emailing info@writeondoorcounty.org.

(26) Plum Island Lighthouse

Plum Island

Built in 1858. Boat tours from Gills Rock go past the lighthouse for viewing and photography.

(27) Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Rock Island

The oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin, built in 1836. The tower and keeper’s house are made from rock quarried on the island. It was named for the Native Americans who inhabited the area and whose name means ‘keepers of the fire.’

(28) The Iverson House

9966 Moravia St, Ephraim

The oldest frame home in Door County, built in 1853. Reverend Andrew Iverson and members of his Moravian congregation who founded Ephraim constructed this home and held early church gatherings in a north bedroom before the church was completed.

(29) The Ridges Sanctuary

8166 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor Hike the trails and boardwalk through the

ridges and swales of Wisconsin’s first land trust for a glimpse at thousands of years of the history of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

(30) Thordarson Boathouse

Rock Island

One of Door County’s most stunning buildings, the gem of Chicago inventor Chester Thordarson’s island escape was completed in 1929 and is considered one of the most historically significant buildings in Wisconsin.

(31) Toft House

8061 Highway 57 Baileys Harbor

The shared home of the Baileys Harbor Historical Society and the Baileys Harbor Community Association, the historic Toft House features historical displays detailing Baileys Harbor’s past, as well as the town information center.

(32) Tornado Memorial Park

8518 County DK, Brussels

The park marks the site of Williamsville, a tiny village wiped off the map by a forest fire on Oct. 8, 1871, the same day the Peshtigo Fire killed thousands of people across Green Bay. It is now part of the Door County Parks System.

(34) Washington Island Historical Archives

910 Main Road, Washington Island

Home of official Town of Washington and school records and articles dating back to 1862, as well as photos, maps, audio tapes and videos, family files and more records.

One of the roadside Belgian Chapels in southern Door County. Photo by Len Villano. Visitors take in the stories and views at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park.

Photo by Len Villano.

Jeannie Hutchins Turns 90!

A Celebration

by Nina Botting Herbst, Director of Museums, Town of Washington

Jeannie Hutchins of Washington Island is preparing to celebrate her 90th Birthday during the week of the 2023 Door County History Days. The stories of her life, family, and connections to the Island she loves, are many. They have not all been good times but Jeannie’s humor and joy in life have kept her going.

She was born Jeannette Lindal in Sister Bay. When her father first held his second daughter he said she was so tiny a baby and that was too big a name, so he dubbed her Jeannie. At six years old her family moved to Washington Island to live in the house her grandfather, Rasmus Hansen, built in 1888. The same house she now inhabits every spring through November’s Hunting Season.

Rock Island Connections

There is also a close family connection to another local island. At one time Rasmus owned land on Rock Island but sold it to Chester Thordarson to raise the funds so Grandpa Hanson’s homesick wife, Rasmine, could visit her family in Denmark. Later Jeannie’s parents met when her father, a Canadian of Icelandic heritage, came from Winnipeg to help build the Thordarson Estate and her mother would ferry him and other workers over to the smaller island.

Later still, Jeannie’s Aunt Helga, her father’s sister, came to work in Chicago and met Dewey Thordarson, Chester’s son. They married and Jeannie spent happy times visiting with her aunt and uncle on Rock before they facilitated the sale of the Island to Wisconsin in 1965 to become a State Park.

Life as a Young Mother

Jeannie married Richard ‘Dick’ Johnson the week after she graduated from the Detroit Harbor School. Dick then went to serve in Korea and Jeannie worked on the Island switchboard to pass the time.

The couple ran a general store on Washington Island, and Dick was also a commercial fisherman back when fishing was big here. That ended tragically when Dick drowned in 1955 leaving Jeannie with two daughters and pregnant again. Jeannie credits her mother, Agnus, with pulling her through this awful time.

Washington Island Again

Following time away in Florida, a second marriage, and the addition of three more children; Jeannie returned in 1970. By that time her father had died and her beloved mother had met and married Chief Roy Oshkosh, moving to Egg Harbor to help run his Outpost there. How Jeannie’s mother met the Chief is a sweet story, and Dr. Farmer played a role. Farmer, a friend of the Chief, brought him up to the Island to hunt. When the Chief returned home and

was asked whether he had bagged a deer he said that he did not get a four legged one but met a doozy of a two legged one! That was November and the couple were married in January, making the Chief Jeannie’s stepfather.

Now a single mother, Jeannie worked at a bar on the Island, Jim’s Up the Road. When the Chief died and Jeannie’s mother became ill, Jeannie took over the Chief Roy Oshkosh Trading Post and ran that store for 14 years, retiring in 1997. But it wasn’t really a retirement as once back on Washington Island Jeannie had other ideas.

Jacobsens Museum

As a child one of Jeannie’s favorite places on Washington Island was Jacobsens Museum on the shores of Little Lake. She would visit with her friends and listen enthralled to the museum’s founder Jens Jacobsen, a Danish immigrant like her grandfather, as he displayed and talked about the Native American artifacts he had found around Little Lake and other parts of the Island. When Jeannie ‘retired’ she wanted to work at the museum she loved and did so for almost two decades. In fact, despite her second retirement visitors still ask for Jeannie and remember how wonderful she had made their past visits. Jeannie Hutchins is a Door County treasure and her family’s history is woven into the history of our beautiful Washington Island.

Jeannie in the kitchen of her home built by her grandfather in 1888.

Photo by Nina Botting Herbst.

Leathem D. Smith for Senator: The Wisconsin Senate Race of 1944

By Brennan Christianson, Collections Coordinator, Door County Maritime Museum

for the Republican nomination. He would be running against the incumbent, Senator Alexander Wiley, as well as a former judge from Appleton, Joseph McCarthy. He advocated for several positions, including a rejection of American isolation, creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and – once the war was won – to rebuild Europe “American-Style.”

advocated for the construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Leathem D. Smith was a shipbuilder, business owner, and a true maritime icon. He also tried to become one of Wisconsin’s US senators during the Second World War.

In 1944, residents of Door County petitioned Smith to run

“The lid is off!” proclaimed the March 10, 1944 issue of the Door County Advocate. “The much talked of candidacy of Leathem D. Smith for the Republican nomination for United States senator became a reality here Saturday evening as he threw his hat into the ring.”

His political positions covered topics such as economics, foreign policy, and transportation. As the owner of one of the largest employers in Door County, Smith saw the importance of getting materials in and out of the Great Lakes region. His company constructed several subchasers and patrol craft that were being used to fight in Europe. He

Smith argued that the Isolationism of pre-war America was not sustainable. The US found itself entangled in a world war for a second time within a twenty-five-year period. Smith proposed a hard-headed approach where America would help in “re-establishing Europe on a constructive basis not only for their own welfare but primarily so that we do not have to make again the sacrifices of World War.”

To prevent future wars in Europe, in which Americans might need to get involved, Smith proposed a solution he called “Europe AmericanStyle.” He saw the cause of most European conflicts to be a symptom of nationalism, ambitious rulers, and the uneven distribution of materials between nations. Once the war was won, Smith believed that Europe should be rebuilt as one nation.

The primary election took place on August 15, 1944. Leathem Smith predicted a landslide victory for the Republican party, and hoped to be among the victorious. This would not come to pass, however, as he came in third place, with 15% of the vote. Not surprisingly, Smith did win the

vast majority of votes from Door County. Incumbent Republican Senator Wiley was ultimately reelected in November 1944. Though Leathem Smith’s political career did not succeed, some of his platform would ultimately come to fruition. In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway was opened, creating the ability to transfer more goods to and from the Great Lakes. Although Europe is not “Americanstyle” as he had hoped, economic cooperation greatly increased following World War Two, culminating with the establishment of the European Union in 1993.

Deep Roots In The Door

On Deck Clothing Company has been in business for over 30 years, but owner Mitch Larson’s family traces a Door County history that dates back several generations. It’s no stretch to say that his family helped to build today’s unique local community.

With her husband Wenzel, Mitch’s mother’s grandmother, Mary Bunda, opened a grocery store in Sister Bay in the late 1800s. Located at the corner of Maple Drive and Highway 42, she owned and operated the store for many years. Her first cash register could calculate no sale greater than $2.99 and the majority of her business was actually conducted through a barter system. Basically, bolts of cloth, boots, hatpins and pocket watches were exchanged for eggs and butter.

Destroyed by a fire in 1912, the store was rebuilt and subsequently sold to Mrs. Bunda’s son, William Bunda. He operated the store until it was again destroyed by a fire in 1941; after WWII, the store was rebuilt. Interestingly enough, the entrepreneurial William leased the Lundberg General Store of Fish Creek, now known as On Deck Clothing Company.

Mitch grew up working alongside his father “Wink” Larson in all of his varied endeavors. He peeled potatoes for tourist fish boils and worked on

the family’s ski hill in Fish Creek. Not surprisingly, Mitch brought all that hard work, attention to quality and detail to On Deck Clothing Company and today is simply following in the

rich tradition of his many Door County ancestors.

Mitch started On Deck in the mid-1980s, after being in the cherry business for many years with both his

parents, during which he ran the local cherry processing plant. The operation eventually merged with the Seaquist family’s cherry business. Asked how On Deck first began, Mitch remembers, “As a sideline, I opened up a small retail store with my friend John Ostran, who was in the retail business at the time. We had one and then two and then three stores. Eventually I bought John out and here we are many many years later with stores all over Door County and have built a nice little business.”

Today, Mitch describes On Deck Clothing as a classic sportwear store that caters to the tourist market. Each store carries quality men’s and women’s clothing. “What makes us unique,” he says, “is actually the way we do retail. I was a huge fan of Walt Disney and how he built his company, he deemed it “merchentainment,” the idea that it should be entertaining to be in one of our stores. First and foremost, there’s the customer experience with our staff and the friendliness. We use very unique props in our stores, including vintage Christ Craft, a beautiful motorcycle, and old antiques. Our goal is that an On Deck store should be a fun warm environment with quality merchandise.”

Washington Island Ferry Line

The Washington Island Ferry Line was started in 1940 with two existing wooden ferries. Over the years steel ferries were added and today the line boasts modern, Coast Guard-approved vessels that make up to 25 round trips a day during high season and two round trips per day in winter. After vehicles and passengers are safely on board at the Northport ferry dock, the

ferry will embark on a 30-minute ride past Plum, Pilot and Detroit Islands. This area is filled with history. You will be making the same passage as the Native Americans who paddled their canoes from island to island, French explorers who came to the area and schooners that traveled this passage a century ago. Relax and enjoy the ride!

Goose and Guns

By Elaine Johnson

The Sister Bay Bowl was altogether different years ago. You wouldn’t even think it’s the same place. Earl’s place, where the bowling alley is, was a dance hall. Where the dining area is now was living quarters and the bar ran along the dance hall. It was a pretty wild place. We had turkey shoots and goose shoots, so you’d go to those. They would put a funnel over the turkey and put him behind a log so the only thing that really stuck up was its head, to see who could shoot them. If nobody shot the thing they’d buy a new goose or they’d buy the turkey. A man came in after he had a few drinks. He had a goose in a burlap bag. He was telling everyone how he went to this goose shoot. He got this goose first prize, hit the target.

They said, “Oh, you never got that goose.”

“Yes,” he said, “I got a goose in here.” So he reached down in that bag and pulled out this goose and let her go. That goose was loose, heh, flew one end to the other and Earl was running with a cue

Hillside Waterfront Hotel

stick trying to hit that goose as it went by. He never did hit the goose, and the guy got the goose again and stuck him in the bag.

But they had this machine there that had a bear on it, had a little eye on it. So we thought we would shoot and see who shot the worst, would have to buy a drink. So we all got out there with this gun, this ray gun and we’d shoot and got special marks or whatever it was. So Jerry Burress, he just couldn’t seem to hit that bear at all. So he had to buy and buy and buy and buy. So he said, “I will be right back.”

He was gone for a little while and pretty soon he came in and said, “Now I’m going to shoot my own gun.” He shot this gun, a thirty-aught-six. Boom! Went right through the machine, through the wall. Earl threw the whole bunch of us out. But it was fun.

From the just-published book Stories From Yesteryear by Elaine Johnson. Available at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik in Sister Bay.

Hillside Waterfront Hotel was started by Norwegian immigrants Martin and Maria Oleson and family, who purchased a four-room log cabin from Reverend Andreas Iverson in 1866. Over the years, the family built additional bedrooms and began renting these rooms out to guests in the summer of 1893. Additions over the years allowed for more and more guest accommodations and in 1901, the building officially became named the Hillside Hotel.

The Historic Hillside Waterfront Hotel of Door County is now on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the first hotels in Ephraim, as the area transitioned

from lumber and fishing to tourism. It included the wooden hotel, cottages and outbuildings, with one structure built as early as 1864. A one-story porch with turned wood columns and a plain wood balustrade spanning the entire front of the hotel was built in 1908 and still exists today as part of the largest porch in Door County. In 2002, it was remodeled by Jim and Claire Webb with close attention paid to maintaining the original integrity of the outside structure while becoming a luxury historical Door County hotel with all of the amenities of a boutique hotel. It closed in 2010 and was reopened by current owner, Diane Taillon, in 2016.

Word Find

Destination

Door County is excited to see and experience all the events that will be happening throughout the peninsula for Door County History Days

We support and value all local organizations and individuals that work tirelessly to preserve the history of our area’s most cherished traditions, industries, buildings, artifacts, foods, and especially our residents. Sharing the stories of those that have inspired change, shaped local culture and protected this place we call home is how we can honor the past and work towards a bright and more sustainable future.

Celebrating Door County’s heritage and culture since 1884, Destination Door County, was first established in 1884 as the Door County Businessmen’s Association, with the goal of working together to collectively promote the area. Among the eight names the organization has had since it began, the Door County Chamber of Commerce was the longest running (1924-2004) with the most recent name being the Door County Visitor Bureau (2006-2020). The current name of Destination Door County has been in place since January 2020.

At the Peninsula Pulse and Door County Living, we are proud to be a part of the historical evolution of Baileys Harbor, where we’ve renovated the building that was once a laundromat into a hub of information at the center of our town. For 27 years we’ve been telling the stories of the people, events and places that weave together the past, present and future of our community. We thank the historical organizations of Door County for all they do to preserve the history of our peninsula for us to share in our pages.