DCHS 2nd Quarter 2023 Newsletter

Door County Historical Society

The Door County Historical Society strives to collect, maintain and share the history and heritage of Door County through preservation, education and programming.

When I look ahead to our upcoming season, I am excited for the Door County Historical Society!

Our Executive Director Amy Frank has brought a new perspective to our group. We have a better focus on our mission to present and preserve history. Stop in at our office on Fourth Avenue and have a chat with Amy. Share with her your thoughts and see where you could contribute to our organization.

Our monthly dinner programs are taking shape. We have a wide variety of historic programs and some locations around the county we haven’t visited in a while. Please understand that meal costs have increased so everything is a few dollars more this year. I think you will find that our programs are worth the added cost.

At the Historic Village we will have events to appeal to all ages. Most people don’t realize it, but our buildings are valued at almost a million dollars. The Village committee is working on some

And it won’t be long and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse will open for the season. There are opportunities to serve as paid staff or volunteer at the lighthouse. Find out how you could be part of the operation.

Amy has been busy getting foundation commitments for making lighthouse renovations. There will be more about this in the future.

Mary Stephenson has stepped down from our board to become our office manager. Carly Sarkis Baranczyk has stepped up to fill the board position.

Most recently she served as marketing and events manager for Destination Sturgeon Bay. We look forward to her input and expertise on our board. That’s all for now. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Dinner Programs

Come to hear stories of earlier times in Ephraim as Kathleen Harris presents EphraimStories fromthe1930son April 24. Dine at historic Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, 10698 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner with the traditional Swedish fare and dessert will be served at 6 p.m. with program to follow.

years as Peninsula Park’s full-time naturalist, she now works as an educator at the Ephraim Historical Foundation. She also worked in the 1990s at the Ridges Sanctuary and as a classroom teacher at SS. Peter and Paul School in Institute. Kathleen has a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Management and Interpretation from the University of WisconsinStevens Point. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Sociology, with a minor in Environmental Education, in Glenview, Illinois.

The cost for the April program is $35 ($30 for DCHS members). Registration deadline is April 17.

Learn how the quiet Village of Ephraim offered a cure for “Depression” during the financial crisis of the 1930s. Artist Doris Heise Miller, newlyweds Francis and Marion Fardig, the demise of Engelmar, CCC Camp Peninsular, and the beloved summer girls camp that survived a Sturgeon Bay bank failure will be featured. Can these stories teach us something about surviving today’s uncertain times?

Kathleen Harris is the author of From the Lookout, Peninsula State Park’s Summer Camp for Girls (2020, Wisconsin Historical Society Press). After nearly 25

The May dinner meeting is all about Chamber’s Island and Eagle Bluff Lighthouses. Ann Sheridan, Ed Miller, and Sandy Miller will present SisterLighthouses: StoriesYou’veNeverHeardBefore . Additionally, Laurie Baum will share her research into the family history of Captain William Duclon, Eagle Bluff lighthouse keeper from 1883 to 1918.

Captain Duclon lived and served at the lighthouse with his wife, Julia, and their seven sons in the close quarters of the lighthouse.

Ann Sheridan is on the DCHS Board of Directors and is the Lighthouse Committee Chair. Ed Miller is an

Continued on page 3

Monday, Apr 24 6 p.m.

Ephraim Stories from the 1930s Al Johnson's, Sister Bay

Monday, May 22 6 p.m.

Sister Lighthouse: Stories You’ve Never Heard Before DC Fire Company, Sturgeon Bay

Monday, Jun 26 6 p.m.

Horseshoe Bay Farms History Kress Center, Egg Harbor

Monday, Jul 24 6 p.m. Niagara Escarpment The Log Den, Egg Harbor

Monday Aug 28 6 p.m. Door County Fair Location TBD

Monday, Sep 25 6 p.m. Door County Trivia! Leatham Lodge, Sturgeon Bay

Monday, Oct 23 6 p.m. The History of Glass Blowing Location TBD

Monday, Nov 27 6 p.m. Annual Meeting

Peninsula Symphonic Band Prince of Peace Church, Sturgeon Bay

* Please note: program topics and locations are subject to change.

Grant Sheds Light on Often Overlooked Stories

Iam a Door County local with a passion for history. I have recently received my master’s degree in Museum Studies at the University of Washington-Seattle and have returned to the area to work with the Door County Historical Society as the Curator and Interpretation Coordinator. Until I begin full time in this capacity in April, I have been working as a consultant on a very important grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Titled Door County’s First Peoples, this grant works to compile research on and form relationships with indigenous tribes that had a significant impact on Door County history. Information gained will be made available through both an outdoor, permanent exhibition on the DCHS grounds of Heritage Village and a written packet to be accessed through DCHS and the Door County Library.

Door County’s First Peoples will tell the stories of Wisconsin native tribes throughout history, from hunter gatherer groups during the Ice Age to the exploration of current cultural initiatives on nearby reservations. While Door County has a wealth of information available about Euro American settlers, there is next to nothing regarding the area’s indigenous ancestors and residents.

My research has brought me across the internet, to forgotten corners of the interlibrary loan system, and throughout the state to meet with tribal representatives and visit exhibitions that focus on this topic. I have been continuously reminded of how little I knew of

Dinner Programs (continued)

integral part of the Lighthouse Committee and serves at the Baileys Harbor Range Lights. Together, Ann and Ed interpret Julia and Captain Duclon for many events. Laurie Baum is an active group member, also involved with the Lighthouse.

The May dinner and program will be at the Door County Fire Company, 38 S. Third Ave., Sturgeon Bay, on May 22. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and program to follow. The menu includes chicken, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, rolls, dessert, coffee and lemonade. Cost is $30 ($25 for DCHS members). Please register by May 15.

these vital cultures and traditions and have been so grateful to learn. Door County needs this information now more than ever, and it is my sincere hope that as many people as possible can engage with the exhibition and informational packet once they are finished.

Look for updates on exhibition installation coming later this year!

Members and guests can look forward to future Monday evening dinner meetings exploring the history of Horseshoe Bay Farms, the impact of the Niagara Escarpment, the legacy of the Door County Fair, and even a Door County-inspired Trivia Challenge!

You can register via USPS (see the order form on page 9), online (doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org), or over the phone (920-421-2332.)

See you soon!

by Julie Gebauer

Submitted by Michaela Kraft

Submitted

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in the Off-Season

No, we don’t completely abandon the lighthouse in the off-season!

Security checks and inspections are performed every 23 weeks of the outside and inside of the building. I look for signs of intrusions by people, animals, and water. When there is snow on the ground and the part of Shore Road to the lighthouse is closed, I have to walk in from the Tennison Bay kayak launch parking area, carrying a shovel to remove snow from in front of the gift shop door. It is always cold and dark inside! The Peninsula State Park personnel also check the outside of the building occasionally.

Some of the off-season maintenance that has been performed include flattening the storyboards that warped due to the high humidity. They were taken home, misted with water and then weighted, dried and sprayed with a clear matte art sealer in hopes that this will prevent a reoccurrence of the warping problem.

The sagging kitchen/dining room table has been

and door sweep have been installed at the gift shop door entrance, downspout extension added for the winter, benches moved inside for security, and a hole in the gift shop wall patched. A new magnetic sandwich board sign is being constructed.

The not-so-fun maintenance task is removing the dead mice from the basement (no photos needed!)

The Lighthouse Committee is assessing different methods for better ventilation in the tower, lantern room and both basements to reduce the deterioration due to excessive moisture that is occurring. With the assistance of new member Todd Fink, we have designed a 12-volt solar power system for ventilation and lighting. We are currently waiting for DNR review and approval. Watch for more developments on this project in a future newsletter.

We are looking forward to opening in the Spring!

Coggin Heeringa is understandably proud of the archaeological digs that Crossroads at Big Creek has become involved in. Heeringa, Dr. Robert Jeske, and Randy Dickson shared fascinating information about the digs occurring around Sturgeon Bay at the Door County Historical Society’s February 25, 2023, luncheon at Stone Harbor Restaurant.

As Harrison Ford tells it in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, “Archaeology is the search for fact, not truth.” Dr. Robert Jeske, Professor Emeritus at UW Milwaukee, is an archaeologist who has worked with Crossroads at Big Creek on their Ida Bay Preserve and The Cove Preserve. Dr. Jeske made it clear that archaeologists work on people’s junk.

Almost all facets of science are integrated with

broken pottery and the like, they would scrub it clean. Then the scientists realized that they were destroying many of the clues that would help them determine information. He stated that we are what we eat; that our bones will tell the story many years later of what we ingested and will give clues as to what type of society we had, what diseases were present, how old members of society were, etc.

Randy Dickson, of Midwest Archaeological Consultants, described The Ida Bay Preserve located on Cove Road just off Utah Street in Sturgeon Bay and The Cove situated closer to Highway 42-57 on Utah Street. When digging began on the Ida Bay Preserve, one shovelful contained hundreds of artifacts. Dickson was almost speechless after the first shovelful.

If you are interested in taking part in a dig at the Ida Bay Preserve this May, contact Crossroads at Big Creek (a separate entity from the Door County Historical Society). It’s a fantastic opportunity to take a close look at the past!

Submitted by Mary Stephenson

Arecordingofthisprogramisavailabletowatchonour website:doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Dr. Robert Jeske

History Repeats Itself…Or Does It?

There is richness in the history of Eagle Bluff Light Station: lessons learned, plans made, and dreams achieved. When reading the archives of the Door County Historical Society, we blink in recognition of situations that continue to resonate today.

THEN: From 1961 through 1963, memos, letters, telephone calls, and license notices passed from the Historical Society through Peninsula State Park, to the Wisconsin Conservation Department, to the Coast Guard Commandant and on to the Milwaukee Port Director. Then a jump through the local legislative offices to the federal government offices of Comptroller, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and into the Senate and House. This chain of correspondence all concerned the lease for the Historical Society to operate the museum and to collect a nominal fee for its upkeep.

NOW: Fortunately for our current plans we achieved a 15-year lease in 2020. This means that our plans for a solar power station at the lighthouse is on its way to being approved by the state engineer. Thanks to Chuck Baum for continuing to put energy into this project.

center and gift shop and present interpretative information for guests not able to access the lighthouse. John Swanson has talked to local suppliers and builders about how this may be achieved and we hope to have a drawing on-site this summer.

THEN: “The barn was more like a house. Men who came to work on (or repair) the light used it for their living quarters.” Circa 1800s.

NOW: Indeed the barn of our future will serve multiple uses as well. We will move the gift shop and visitors center out of the lighthouse and restore the winter kitchen. The newly built barn can be a visitors

THEN: September 26, l963, “Mr. Van Handel, Industrial Commissioner, was here today. He left word that the first floor was okay and could be opened to the public…But the upstairs should not be opened as yet he objects to the spiral staircase. Lowell Hansen”

NOW: Special attention has to be given to the spiral staircase for safety reasons. We have leaks in the lantern room that dampen the stairs. Extra care must be taken to wipe them off and caution guests on their use above the second floor. Over the winter, committee members are working on solutions to this continuing problem. By this summer, we will still be thrilling, but safer.

Eagle Bluff is a living, breathing lighthouse station. The Door County Historical Society staff and volunteers love presenting stories such as this one written by Mabel Spencer Kalmbach.

“One summer many years ago, my mother and sisters and I were spending a month on the old Kalmbach homestead on the shore of Detroit Harbor, Washington Island. We were surprised early one Sunday morning when our father and brother landed at the old log dock with a slow, clumsy old fish

Continued on page 7

Heritage Village 2023

Plans are being formed to enhance the visitors’ experience at Heritage Village in 2023. One focus will be to better utilize the Village as an educational tool. Justin Skiba has done a fantastic job bringing Sevastopol students to Heritage Village to expand their experiences of the turn of the 20th century. We expect to expand on his work to include more students.

Amy Frank will lead the upgrade of merchandise offerings at the Greene Store. We are also planning to add benches, tables, and/or a gazebo-type structure so visitors might be able to relax and better immerse

themselves in the 1880 to 1910-era historic village.

Michaela Kraft has made great progress gathering and organizing information for our Telling their Stories Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In 2022,t admissions were changed to donation based. Donation-based admissions will continue in 2023 while we identify and implement steps to improve this system.

We have discussed increasing operating hours and better coordinating with Crossroads at Big Creek’s nature programs to improve our attendance. Also, we are considering adding a tour guide to assist the shopkeeper at the Greene Store so that guided tours could be offered to visitors on days that we do not have interpreters present.

The Heritage Village Committee has resumed monthly meetings to discuss further ideas. Suggestions would be welcomed by any Heritage Village Committee member or the Door County Historical Society Executive Director, Amy Frank.

History Repeats (continued)

boat that had taken more of the night to travel from Sturgeon Bay. Sunday was a lively day with much excitement and many callers and no time for catching up on lost sleep. Early on Sunday evening my father and brother started back to Sturgeon Bay and for some forgotten reason I went with them. Both men were utterly weary, could hardly keep awake. My father took the boat across the Door and then said, ‘Mabel, do you suppose you could take the boat awhile and let us get some sleep’? I was young and brash enough to think that I could do anything so I agreed.”

What happened on Mabel’s voyage and how does Eagle Bluff Lighthouse play into her story? Hear the rest of the tale at the May 22 dinner meeting of the Door County Historical Society.

Submitted by Ann Sheridan

Membership Updates as of March 8, 2023

We apologize in advance for any omissions or errors. Please contact us to update our records.

New Life Member

Roy & Betsy Gill

New Members

Thomas Allyn

Cheryl & Bruce Bishop

Lisa & Eric Bonow

Thomas Christenson

Todd & Kathie Gordon

Judi & John Hundley

Kris & Jerry Miesbauer

Shawn & Maxine Nehmer

Marsha Nelson

Joe Taylor

Renewing Members

Theresa Alexander

Linda, Larry & Craig Alfred

Sara Anschutz

Jody & Arbie Arbter

Leland & Inge Bacon

Ron & Judy Berg

Jane & Gerry Berg

Linda Berns

Rev Anthony Birdsall

Time Travelers Network

Membership News

Patrick Blizel

Beverly Branson

Mary Buckley

Barbara Chisholm

Susan Cubar & Thomas Jordan

Ed & Fran Eickenberg

Paddy Eliott

Linda & Mark Faust

Hans & Nancy Feld

Diane & Thomas Felhofer

Gibraltar Historical Association

Dirk & Christine Goettelman

Tad & Deb Greene

Tom & Keli Groenfeldt

Mary Grota

Gary & Karen Gruenisen

Diane Hackbarth & David Price

Jeff & Ruth Harding

Hat Head

Mark & Michaela Holey

Milton & Karen Lenius

Deborah Logerquist & Paul Schumacher

Renee & Willie McAllister

Doug McGee

Julia & Bill Meyers

Sandy & Ed Miller

Elaine & Tom Mulligan

Shawn & Maxine Nehmer

Pr Paul & Karen Pfeffer

Ralph Rabach

Donald & Donna Rudolph

Ann & Phil Schmitz

Carol Schuster

John & Patricia Skogsbakken

Mary Ellen & Greg Smith

Myrv & Holly Somerhalder

Tim & Sue Stone

Donna Thenell

Kristen Thorp-Ziniel

Charles & Jean Tice

Sue Todey & Jerry Whitehouse

Charlene Viste

Linda Wait

Jonathan & Cindy Wargo

Pam Welter

Dan & Mary Williams

Howard Williamson

L Rochelle Wisowaty

Deb Wuellner-Clarke & Lew Clarke

Duane & Leslie Youngsteadt

Tom Zwicky

Recently Passed Members

Marlene Allen

Mary Ann Blahnik

George Evenson

Mandy Hagman

Steve Madden

Bill Welter

Patricia Williamson

As a member of the Door County Historical Society you are included in the Time Travelers program. Time Travelers is a free reciprocal membership network for historical museums, sites, and societies throughout the United States. Currently, the Time Travelers program includes over 400 organizations in more than 45 states across the country. Members of these organizations can receive a variety of exclusive benefits and privileges, such as free admission, gift shop discounts, and much, much more. To see a list of participating museums, go to the DCHS website and click on the Time Travelers logo on the home page.

Tadych’s Community Care Program

Save your receipts from Tadych's Market Place Foods! We receive 1% cash back when we return them to the store (grocery receipts only does not include receipts from the service counter). Drop off your receipts at the DCHS office or send them in the mail. 130 N Fourth Ave, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. These add up quickly many thanks to those who have contributed!

DCHS Order Form

DONATE. Support the Door County Historical Society.

GENERAL FUND: Support the day-to-day operations of DCHS.

EAGLE BLUFF RESTORATION: Support the current restoration project of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Fish Creek.

ENDOWMENT FUND: Donations to this fund are invested, allowing the fund to grow over time.

ATTEND. Join us for our monthly programs.

EPHRAIM STORIES FROM THE 1930s

Monday, Apr 24. Al Johnson’s Restaurant, Sister Bay. Dinner at 6 p.m. Program to follow. Deadline April 17.

EAGLE BLUFF LIGHTHOUSE

Monday, May 22. Door County Fire Co, 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay. Dinner at 6 p.m. Program to follow. Deadline May 15.

HORSESHOE BAY FARMS HISTORY

Monday, June 26. Kress Center, Egg Harbor. Dinner at 6 p.m. Program to follow. Deadline June 19.

JOIN. Become a member or renew your membership.

Individual $35 Couple $50 Business $100

Family $75 Nonprofit $35

Name Street City, State, Zip

Phone Email

Guests names (If applicable)

Payment Method:

Check (made out to Door County Historical Society)

Credit card

Card # Exp CVV

Please return to Door County Historical Society, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

(920) 421-2332

P.O. Box 71

Sturgeon Bay WI 54235-0071

Heritage Village and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse are where history comes to life. These charming, living museums are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

But what many people may not know is that Heritage Village and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse rely heavily on volunteers to keep the doors open and history alive. Volunteering is a rewarding experience that offers a range of benefits for both volunteers and the community. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider volunteering:

1. Give back to your community

Help preserve local history and ensure that future generations can learn from it. What a wonderful way to make a meaningful contribution to your community while doing something that you enjoy.

2. Learn about local history

Learn about local history in a hands-on way. You can explore the buildings, artifacts, and exhibits and work with other volunteers and staff members to share your knowledge with visitors.

3. Meet new people

Work alongside other volunteers and staff members who are passionate about history and heritage, and you will also have

the opportunity to interact with visitors from all over the world.

4. Develop new skills

You may learn new techniques for historic preservation, gain experience in public speaking and interpretation, or develop your customer service skills.

5. Have fun!

Finally, volunteering is just plain fun! You will have the opportunity to participate in special events and activities, while spending time in a beautiful and historic setting.

There are many ways to get involved at Heritage Village and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. You can help with special events, work in the gift shop, give tours, assist with historic preservation projects, or help with administrative tasks. Whatever your interests and skills, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.

Whether you are a history buff, a community-minded individual, or simply someone who loves to learn and have fun, volunteering is an experience you won't want to miss.

To add your name to the volunteer list, please contact Amy at 920-421-2332 or office@doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org.