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.
Third Quarter | July through September |2024
Welcome to summer in beautiful Door County!
We had a very productive spring getting ready for the season at our two historic interpretive sites, Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park. In addition to our normal spring cleaning and sprucing up at these historic treasures, we had exciting activities at both venues.
On April 24 work commenced on the stabilization project at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. We have engaged National Restoration, Inc. to make critical repairs and weatherization projects that are essential to maintain the structural integrity of the building. Thanks to the outstanding cooperation of our contractor, the lighthouse is open for business this summer with the added bonus of witnessing amazing restoration work in real time.
I commend our Board of Directors for prioritizing and moving forward on this important project. As mentioned, this is just the first phase. Much more restoration work is defined in the Historic Structures Report published in 2020 and this is the principal goal of our ongoing Capital Campaign. If you haven’t already pledged your support to this Campaign, please consider doing so. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is one of the top historic treasures of Door County and it must be preserved.
All this exciting activity is overseen by our dedicated Lighthouse Committee which, we are so proud to share, won the Cultural Volunteer of the Year
Award at the Golden Hearts Volunteer Award Ceremony this spring. Congratulations and thank you committee members.
On June 8th, we unveiled our newest permanent outdoor exhibit, First Peoples of Door County at Heritage Village. We were fortunate to receive a coveted federal grant to research and fund the installation of ten panels to tell the fascinating story of the original inhabitants of this special place. Michaela Kraft, our Curator and Interpretations Coordinator researched the history and designed the beautiful panels. Volunteers installed the panels and landscaped the site located between the schoolhouse and granary. Special thanks to Michaela and all who contributed and supported this project. Please check out the exhibit.
We are pleased to welcome Spencer Gustafson to our Board of Directors. Spencer joins four other previously announced new Board members in 2024. He runs the technology department at Surgeon Bay Schools and also serves on the City Council for the City of Sturgeon Bay. Thanks for joining us Spencer.
Please check out more details about these and other exciting happenings at the Historical Society in this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. Have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Bill Chaudoir, Board President
2024 Dinner Programs
our upcoming dinner programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Door County while enjoying a delightful meal. These events will feature engaging presentations on various historical topics, allowing attendees to learn more about the fascinating stories that have shaped our community. Join us at these dinner programs to connect with fellow history enthusiasts, support our mission, and contribute to our ongoing preservation efforts.
July Dinner Program
Join us on July 29th for a dinner program at the Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St, Egg Harbor, to learn about the New Door County Historical Museum, located in Sturgeon Bay. A representative from the Museum will share latest developments of the historic Door County collection.
Built in 1939, the Door County Historical Museum houses integral artifacts and has been providing locals and visitors with the extensive history of Door County for over 80 years. The Door County Historical Museum has been named one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Best Small Museums in the Midwest.” On June 1st, the organization expanded to year round hours.
For the dinner program, the doors to the Kress Pavilion open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Mojo Enterprises will provide a buffet of chicken parmesan,
meat lasagna, Caesar salad, warm bread, cookies and brownies, coffee and water. Cost is $40 per person with the discount price of $35 for DCHS members. Please RSVP on-line or to the office, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, by July 22nd. A reservation form is available in this newsletter.
August Dinner Program
For the August dinner program, we will learn of the Early Post Offices of Door County, in a presentation by Tom Anschutz, USPS Postmaster in Egg Harbor. Learn of the development of the US postal system in Door County. Tom, a lifetime resident of Door County, worked at the Door County Advocate for many years in distribution and at the Sturgeon Bay Post Office.
On August 26, the group will gather at the Nightingale Supper Club, 1541 Egg Harbor Rd, Sturgeon Bay, at 5:30 p.m. Please note: the program will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. The meal will be your choice of BBQ ribs, deep fried perch or Fettuccine Alfredo, dessert and coffee (you do not need to select in advance). Cost of the sit-down dinner will be $40 per person with the discount price of $35 for DCHS members. Please RSVP on-line or to the office, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, by August 19th. The reservation form is in this issue.
2024 Dinner Programs
September Dinner Program
The members and guests will learn of the History of the Viking Restaurant and Fish Boils and the Wickman House, Ellison Bay, with Nyla Small, of the Door County Historical Museum.
Nyla will speak of her family history in connection with the Viking Restaurant and the Wickman House. She is a lifelong resident of Door County and Lifetime member of the DCHS.
The dinner meeting will be on Sept 23rd, at the Lodge at Leathem Smith, 1640 Memorial Dr, Sturgeon Bay. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the Lodge’s buffet dinner at 6 p.m. The program will follow the meal. Cost for the dinner is $40 for guests and a discount price of $35 for DCHS members. Please RSVP on-line or to the office, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, by Sept 16th. The form is in this issue.
As always, we welcome guests and prospective members to all dinners, programs, and events. If you are interested in ride-sharing, please call Mary Stephenson at 920-421-2332 or email mary@doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Come, learn about the history of Door County! Keep its rich legacy available to residents and visitors!
—Submitted by Julie Gebauer
Heritage Village Happenings
Thanks to a generous grant from the Women’s Fund of Door County, we are thrilled to celebrate notable Wisconsin women with three special events spanning the summer. These events will take place on the last Saturday of July, August, and September 2024 at Heritage Village. Each program will begin at 1 pm, is free to the public, and will highlight the extraordinary contributions and diverse experiences of Wisconsin women.
Saturday, July 27
A Visit from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Join us as Jessica Michna from First Impressions, Remember the Ladies portrays Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of Little House on the Prairie. Held in the Vignes Schoolhouse, this interactive interpretation will engage younger audience members and those young at heart, offering a fresh perspective on women's history. Michna’s portrayal will bring Wilder’s adventures and insights to life, making this a must-see event for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Saturday, August 31
Janet Newman on Letters from Clara Acclaimed author Janet Newman will introduce attendees to Clara Pagel, an inspiring woman who embarked on a solo world tour at the age of 40 on the eve of World War II. Through Clara’s letters, Newman shares stories of adventure and resilience, providing a unique look at one of Wisconsin’s pioneering solo female travelers. This event promises to be both educational and inspiring, shedding light on Clara’s remarkable journey and the broader context of women's experiences during a tumultuous time in history.
Saturday, September 28
Staged Reading of Miss Lulu Bett by Zona Gale Zona Gale, a Wisconsin novelist and playwright, made history as the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The series will culminate with a staged reading of her acclaimed play Miss Lulu Bett in the Vignes Schoolhouse. Costumed actors will bring Gale’s characters to life, and a talkback session will follow, encouraging the audience to connect the performance with their own experiences. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience Gale’s powerful storytelling and to reflect on the social issues she addressed through her work.
Fall Exhibit : We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting Additionally, this fall, Heritage Village will display the Wisconsin Historical Society's exhibit "We Stand on Their Shoulders: A History of Wisconsin Women and Voting." This exhibit will provide an in-depth look at the struggles and triumphs of Wisconsin women in the fight for voting rights, offering visitors a chance to learn about the critical role women played in shaping our state's political landscape.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped Wisconsin’s history. Your presence will help honor their legacies and inspire future generations. Together, we can continue to preserve and share the rich history of our community. For more details about these events, please visit our website or contact us directly. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you at Heritage Village this summer!
Submitted by Michaela Kraft
Heritage Village Happenings
Tool Box Room Celebration
Everyone is invited to join the celebration of the newly completed "Tool Box Room" at the Madden Tool Museum in Heritage Village. The event will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Tool Museum.
The Tool Box Room is a unique display area showcasing historical tool boxes that highlight the stories of craftsmen, their families, and the tools that shaped Door County's history.
The Tool Museum team, along with some family members who donated the tool boxes, will be present to introduce you to these treasured artifacts.
Stove Wood Construction Demonstration
The first three Thursdays in August, the Tool Museum crew will demonstrate the art of stove wood construction and mortaring/chinking. Everyone is welcome to attend the demonstrations on August 1, 8, and 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Madden Tool Museum at Heritage Village.
Stove wood construction is a building technique that uses short pieces of debarked tree trunks, typically 12 to 24 inches long, stacked crosswise and mortared together to form walls. This method combines the aesthetic appeal of natural wood with the structural benefits of masonry. The gaps between the logs are filled with an insulating mortar mix, often incorporating materials like sawdust or straw for improved thermal efficiency. This construction style is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective, making use of locally available materials and offering a unique, rustic appearance.
Ongoing Maintenance
Heritage Village is undergoing maintenance work to preserve its historic charm and integrity. From structural repairs to routine upkeep, various projects
keep the village authentic and engaging for visitors. This vital work relies heavily on the generosity of our supporters. Donations are essential to ensure we can continue preserving this piece of Door County's heritage for future generations.
Kohl Fish House Roof
Thirty-one year ago, Chuck Olson spearheaded the efforts to move the first structure that established Heritage Village - the Kohl Fish House. The fish house was donated by Chuck’s mom and Aunt Melda to help others learn about the exciting role the early fishing industry played in Door County’s past.
The roof of the fish house is worn and needs to be replaced. Thankfully, the Tool Museum crew is donating the labor and the materials will be paid for the by Historical Society Steve Madden Memorial Fund. Additional funding will also be supplied by the sale of the book Door County Legacy of Ed Kohls. Written by Everette Olson, grandson of Ed and Pansy Kohls, the book is available for purchase in the Greene Store at Heritage Village.
Tool Museum volunteers Jackson Varnes and Dan Hanson work on repairing the roof of the Kohl Fish House.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
We started the long awaited restoration work at Eagle Bluff Light Station. We took the first step April 11 when our electrical contractor Baylake Electric drilled a hole through the lighthouse foundation for getting electricity into the light house. EBLS never had electricity so this is a big deal!
We are waiting for the power company to install about 4,000 feet of underground feeder from the closest connection at Welker’s Point Campground to the lighthouse. When that is done Eagle Bluff will have electricity for the first time in its history!
Lampist Kurt Fosburg from Negaunee Michigan (above) removed the Fresnel lens from the lantern room. Kurt crated the lens to protect after it was removed from the lantern and put in storage for later reinstallation and restoration once back in the lantern. It is necessary to have the lens out of the lantern so it is not damaged when the inside of the lantern is restored.
We are working with National Restoration, Inc. based in Michigan to do things in immediate need of stabilization. They are a prominent name in lighthouse restoration and have done restoration work at many Michigan lighthouses, including two of Eagle Bluff’s sister lighthouses.
The National Restoration crew arrived Wednesday, April 24. They put a confinement tent at the top of the tower to sandblast paint from the lantern room. Next it was primed and painted. That was followed by the removal of the foggy Plexiglas and replacing it with UV safety glass. It sure looks amazing!
The white paint on the exterior of the building, that goes back to the keeper’s days was removed at the back door. Deteriorating brick replacement and failing mortar repairs at the back door have been completed. Additional brick and mortar repairs will be done elsewhere on the lighthouse. The entire lighthouse was power washed to remove years of grime.
Preparation for painting has been ongoing. Shutters,
Restoration Update
trim and screen doors are in various stages of repair and painting. The spires on the front and rear gables had so much dry rot that they have been removed and identical replacements will be fabricated and installed.
There is more! We are also planning to reconstruct the historic barn and summer kitchen that was once at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. We have a copy of the original U.S. Lighthouse Service barn plans. We also have pictures and other documentation for the barn and summer kitchen.
We are working with Sanders and Czapski, noted lighthouse and maritime preservation architects in Marquette Michigan, to provide bidding and construction plans for these buildings. Ken has gotten us a draft of the plans that we will be finalizing. We hope to begin construction sometime early fall.
Follow along with the restoration progress, donate to our restoration capital campaign and learn more about the history of the lighthouse by visiting the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse link on our website.
-- submitted by Ed Miller
Welcome Summer Interns and New Board Member
The Door County Historical Society is excited to introduce you to our two summer interns, Elizabeth Rienstra and Helena Samson, as well as our newest member of the board of directors, Spencer Gustafson. Please welcome them!
Elizabeth Rienstra
I’m from Sun Prairie, WI and attend Lawrence University in Appleton, WI studying English Literature and French. In the future I hope to work in museums or historical societies in any capacity. I love DCHS’s more immersive format of looking at history — our visitors can step into homes and community spaces as they would have been in the late 19th century and really get a sense of how people lived, more so than by just reading about it. I’m excited to be joining the team this summer!
Spencer Gustafson
Spencer is a dedicated professional and community leader with deep roots in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. A proud graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School, Spencer pursued higher education in criminal justice, which led him to a career with the Department of Justice. During his tenure at the DOJ, he specialized in digital forensics, focusing on officer-involved shooting investigations.
Helena Samson
Hi! I'm Helena Samson, a second-year intern here at the Door County Historical Society. I'm from Fredericksburg, VA, where I attend the University of Mary Washington and major in Historic Preservation. I chose to intern at DCHS because I frequently visited the Heritage Village growing up and wanted hands-on experience with museum and collections management. After graduation, I hope to work in architecture and field survey documentation.
Despite his success, Spencer felt a strong pull back to his hometown in Door County. Realizing the unparalleled beauty and unique charm of the area, he decided to return and pursue a career with the Sturgeon Bay School District within technology. His passion for local history blossomed, and he began researching the rich past of Sturgeon Bay and its surrounding areas. Spencer enjoys uncovering the stories behind historical buildings and sharing these tales with his friends. He aims to collaborate with the Door County Historical Society to introduce innovative ideas for preserving local history.
In addition to his professional and historical interests, Spencer serves as the District 4 Alderman in Sturgeon Bay, a position he has held for four and a half years. His commitment to public service and his community is evident in his ongoing efforts to enhance and preserve the heritage of Door County.
Member Profile: Myrv Somerholder
Myrvin “Myrv” Somerhalder, 84-yearsyoung, is the Door County Historical Society “Member in the Spotlight” for this issue of the newsletter. Myrv has been a member of the DCHS and a member of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Committee since 2010.
Myrv grew up on a farm near San Francisco. Then he lived in Chicago for many years until he and his wife Holly made the move north to Door County in 1970. At that time they bought a drive-in restaurant which they called Crazy Daisy’s (formerly known as Diggers) and ran that from 1970 until 1972. Their daughter Susan was born in 1972. They brought her along to the restaurant every day until the fateful day Susan managed to fall off the table they had her sitting on. Holly said that wasn’t working for her anymore. (Susan started working at the White Gull Inn when she was a junior at Gibraltar and she is still working there! Her 17 -year-old daughter now works at the White Gull too.)
Susan and her husband had two other teenaged children. Myrv and Holly also have a son who lives and works in the Green Bay area. Those of you who visited the Fish Creek Branch of the Door County Library, might have seen Holly’s smiling face there for the 50 years she worked at the branch. After getting out of the restaurant business, Myrv started working with a northern Door engineering firm doing land surveys in the fall of 1973 and finally retired after 38 years in 2010. Always one to give back to his community, Myrv has been involved with many local agencies and organizations. From 1978 to 1990, he was the Gibraltar Fire Chief. In 1989 he was appointed to the Gibraltar Town Board which he “retired from” in 2010. He has been on the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport Board for 35 years and a member and board member of the Gibraltar Historical Association.
Patty Podgers, who was the EBLH manager in 2010, invited Myrv to become a member of DCHS and asked him if he’d be interested in being a docent at Eagle
Bluff Lighthouse. Myrv thought that sounded interesting so that’s how is tenure with the EBLH began. Since then he has met people from all over the United States. People from states like Nebraska made him realize how important it is to have docents at Eagle Bluff telling the story of the lighthouse. Many visitors from the prairie states had never seen a lighthouse before and were amazed to find out that these beautiful structures along lakes and oceans fulfill an important safety feature—guiding ships through perilous weather and water depths. Myrv is still a DCHS member, but he is backing away from being so involved at the EBLH.
In the future, Myrv hopes that the DCHS continues to restore the lighthouse so that any deterioration is slowed. It’s very exciting what is happening there this summer with crews sandblasting, painting, restoring and repairing items on the 156-year-old structure and with electricity finally being delivered to the lighthouse. We wish Myrv well in his “retirement” but hope he continues to visit the lighthouse to share his wealth of knowledge with us occasionally.
— Submitted by Mary Stephenson
Membership Updates
Membership Updates Between DECEMBER 16, 2023 and MARCH 26, 2024
We apologize in advance for any omissions or errors. Please contact us to update our records.
New Business Members
Peninsula Park-View Resort
New Life Member
Sue Dugan
New Members
Kris & Kent Ingram
Darlene Klister
Carrie & Dave Kuehl
Jude Kuenn
Terry M Myra
Meredith Renard
Mary Seeberg
Katy Zeigler
Renewing Members
Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant
Sara Anschutz
Jody & Arbie Arbter
Bonnie & Daniel Balch
Jim Baye
Judy Berg
Anita Beutel
Beverly Branson
Barbara Buckingham
George Conner
Bert Day
Rita & Charles Doyle
Egg Harbor Historical Society
D Todd & Cynthia Ehlers
Ed & Fran Eickenberg
Marianne Ewig
Amy & Paul Frank
Gibraltar Historical Associa on
Joy Hurley
Patricia Klitzman
Deborah Logerquist & Paul Schumacher
David Long
Larry & Mary Maas
Doug McGee
Susan Moore & Patricia Kiley
Judy Nash
Ron Schweigert
Mary & Mark Stephenson
Mary & Kevin Tall
Suzanne Todey
Bryan & Diane Troutman
Jackson Varnes
Linda Wait
Doug & Sharon Weimer
Sarah & Mark Woerfel
Members Who Have Passed
Gail Blaiser
Nancy Krause
Are you a Heritage Hero?
Whether you're a seasoned handy-person or simply eager to lend a helping hand, there's a place for you in Heritage Heroes. Every other Tuesday morning we transform ordinary days into extraordinary experiences. From dusting off artifacts of the past to tending to the grounds, there's a task for everyone to enjoy.
As a Heritage Hero, you'll not only preserve our rich heritage but also forge new friendships and create cherished memories. Imagine the satisfaction of cleaning a historic building or beautifying our scenic pathways alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for preservation. But it's not all hard work --we believe in fun and camaraderie too!
Volunteering is not just about giving your time--it’s about becoming an integral part of our Door County Historical Society family. Together, we'll celebrate our shared history, nurture our natural surroundings, and create a legacy for generations to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather some friends and make your mark on history. Join Heritage Heroes--
where every volunteer is a hero, and every moment is an opportunity to shine!
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Sign up on our website or call 920-421-2332.
*There is no time commitment. You are welcome to attend any Tuesday morning that you’re available. Once you sign up, more information will be sent to you.
DCHS Order Form (also
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 this quarter.
NEW HISTORICAL MUSEUM (Steven Rice)
Monday, July 29. Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor Dinner at 6 pm. Program to follow. Deadline July 22
EARLY POST OFFICES (Tom Anschutz )
Monday, Aug 26. Nightingale Supper Club, Sturgeon Bay Program at 6pm. Dinner to follow. Deadline Aug 19
VIKING HOTEL (Nyla Small)
Monday, Sept 23. Lodge at Leathem Smith, Sturgeon Bay Dinner at 6 pm. Program to follow. Deadline Sept 16
JOIN. Become a member or renew your membership.
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
Important Dates to Remember - July through September
July 2, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
July 6, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
“A Walk Down Third Avenue”
July 13, 10 am - 3 pm
10th Annual Root Beer Fes val
Heritage Village
July 16, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
July 20, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
“Historic Tool Boxes”
July 27, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
“Laura Ingalls Wilder”
July 29, 6 pm
Dinner Program - History Museum
Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor
July 30, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
August 3, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village TBD
August 10, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village TBD
August 13, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
August 17, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
TBD
August 24, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
Hymn Sing with Anne Tomlinson
August 26, 6 pm
Dinner Program - Post Offices
The Nigh ngale
August 27, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
August 31, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
“Le ers from Clara”
Sept 7, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village TBD
Sept 10, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
Sept 14, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village
A History of Quilts with Barb Hunt
Sept 21, 10 am - 3pm
Apple Fest
Heritage Village
Sept 23, 6 pm
Dinner Program - Viking Hotel Lodge at Leathem Smith
Sept 24, 10 am - 12 pm
Heritage Heroes volunteer crew
Heritage Village
Sept 28, 1 pm
Saturdays at the Village “Miss Lulu Be ”
Dates/ mes subject to change. Check out website or call for confirma on.