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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
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MAGA ZINE
SPRING 2019
STORMS! SPRING BRINGS THE THUNDER
FROM THE ASHES Bjorklunden thrives after 1993 fire
WHOSE HARBOR?
Case of the missing apostrophes
WRITERS LAURA BROULLIRE s a graduate of UW-Oshkosh, freelance writer and distance runner. Her favorite places in Door County include Whitefish Dunes State Park, Schoolhouse Beach and anywhere she can get her hands on a glass of local wine. She and her husband have three children – two at home, one at UW-Green Bay – and live in De Pere, where she’s working on her first novel.
SUZANNE ROSE is a nationally recognized artist and educator who practices and teaches fine art photography as a “mindful minimalist” - in style and philosophy. She lives off the beaten track in southern Door County with her artist husband, Jim Rose, residing in a beautiful one hundred year old brick farmhouse with their daughter and a Jack Russell Terrier.
HEIDI HODGES has been a life-long cheerleader for Door County. A graduate of UW Platteville, she worked for the Door County Advocate for 13 years before leaving to pursue her own business in photography. She returned to the fold to edit Door County Magazine, which continues to be her dream job.
MIKE SHAW has been a reporter/editor for more than 30 years at four newspapers, most of that time spent full-time or freelance at the Door County Advocate. He continues to write sports and entertainment stories for the Advocate and other local publications, in addition to restaurant pieces for Door County Magazine. He lives just north of Carlsville.
BRIAN KELSEY is a Door County native who returned to his roots in 2003 after spending 18 years in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Brussels, Belgium and Geneva, Switzerland. He is currently the President of the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance, Vice Chair of the Governor’s Council on Tourism and a board member of the Wisconsin Arts Board. Kelsey is currently celebrating his 10th season as Managing Director of Peninsula Players.
SHARON VERBETEN is a writer, editor, librarian and mom from De Pere. She is the editorial director of All Write Creative Services, where she provides feats of editorial genius, editing and proofing copy to make all writers sound a bit more polished and professional. Her college roommate (and Door County Magazine editor) Heidi Hodges introduced her to Door County more than 30 years ago; her favorite haunts are Ellison Bay Park beach, Jacksonport and the tiny coffee shop in Gills Rock.
atLAST
Blossoms abound during springtime in Door County. photos by MIKE BRISSON
CONTENTS SPR I NG 2 019
VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1
Magazine Editor: Heidi Hodges
Project Manager: Jacqueline Curtis
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Contributing Writers: Laura Broullire Heidi Hodges Brian Kelsey Suzanne Rose Mike Shaw Sharon Verbeten Advertising Consultants:
features 3 ROCK ISLAND 4 GETTING POSSESSIVE
Corey Colton Jake Even Patrick Manthey Katherine Vitela
Why Don’t Door County Towns Have Apostrophes?
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BJÖRKLUNDEN: Rising from the Ashes
Graphic Designer: Marie Rayome-Gill
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
A season for storms
Spring: A season for rebirth;
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IN THE KITCHEN
The Pub Life Lautenbachs find Jacksonport Perfect Place
DOOR COUNTY MAGAZINE (ISSN#1546-0649) is published quarterly (February, May, August, November) by Door County Publishing, P.O. Box 59, Appleton, WI 54912. Individual copies of Door County Magazine can be found at select locations in Door, Kewaunee and Brown Counties. Door County Magazine is also available by mail delivery to your home for only $14.99 to cover postage and handling. To subscribe call 888-996-1919. Back issues available at $5.00 each.
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A dark storm rolls in over the waters of Green Bay, toward the shore near Peninsula Players just south of Fish Creek. Photo by Brian Kelsey
DOOR COUNTY MAGAZINE VOLU ME 23, ISSUE 1
Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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ECLECTICA
A late spring storm lights up the night skies over Sturgeon Bay. Photo by Heidi Hodges
Shock and Awe
by HEIDI HODGES
In Praise of Thunderstorms Maybe you are like me, and spring is your favorite time of year. I mean, I get it if your favorite is different. Autumn is gorgeous. Winter is surreal. Summer in Door County? Well, you can’t beat that. But spring. It’s just so delicious. So exciting. There are so many “firsts.” Like, the first day you can open the windows and get fresh air moving through the house. The first day you can get in the garden. The first buds on the trees and daffodils poking through the soil. I love it when I wake up too early, confused and gently startled, because the first songbirds of the season are singing outside my bedroom window. And, then, of course, when the first thunderstorm of the season rolls across the landscape. There’s such a beauty to all these things—even in thunderstorms. In this issue, columnist Brian Kelsey sums up the phenomenon of Door County storms—in his writing and spectacular photos. It’s a must-read piece. None of us wish for damaging storms, of course. But there is something to be said for getting to watch the clouds roll across the bay and feeling the thrill of deep thunder rumbling on the waves. Door County is a great place to storm watch, with wide-open skies over vast expanses of water. While I love sweet spring days, all mild and gentle, it’s the thunderstormy days I tend to remember best. Like the time a storm broke out while I was on a ferry from Washington Island. Or the gorgeous thunderhead I watched over Chambers Island, with the sun setting under it. There was a night in 2017 when, as I drove home from near Egg Harbor, the radio interrupted with a storm warning, with specific mention of Egg Harbor. I perked up. 2 DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
Since I was right there, I quickly pulled into the marina to watch and wait it out. But hearing the warning and seeing how strong it was, I decided I should try to get out of its path. Bad decision. As I drove south, the storm hit with all its fury and followed me home. It was non-stop lightning—close, purple and blinding, with pouring, driving rain and flooding on the highway. When I finally pulled into my driveway, the storm was over and I was still shaking. Besides my fragile emotional state, there was little damage from the storm, thankfully. It’s one I’ll long remember. Even run-of-the mill storms can be interesting, given the timing or the location. Once, while waiting to see a Northern Sky Theater show—at the time it was still the Heritage Ensemble—at Peninsula State Park’s amphitheater, I stood on the path, talking with Doc Heide. We were debating whether or not they could hold the show, with rain predicted. As we stood there, we watched a wall of water move down the path, right at us. You could see the absolute edge of the storm as it approached. (And yeah, we got wet.) Or the time I drove through a monster storm that had just canceled Sturgeon Bay’s fireworks show, causing us to run for our cars. I drove back to Quietwoods Campground where I was staying, and saw the exact spot on the pavement—a sharp line— where the storm stopped. Wet, then not wet. Just yards from the campground entrance. Or the ferocious storms that have hit while I’ve camped on Rock Island, blowing in the tent walls. I could keep going, but you get the idea. Storms can be pretty memorable. I hope you have a fabulous spring, with plenty of fresh, green days, songbirds out your window, and a handful of lovely thunderstorms to freshen everything up. And if spring isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The other three seasons are hot on its heels.
history
ROCK
ISLAND
Historical Negatives Discovered While doing some spring clean up on Rock Island State Park in 2017, the Friends of Rock Island group stumbled across a number of old negatives dating back to Chester Thordarson’s days. The negatives include images of some of the island’s more well-known structures, like the boathouse and pagoda during their build stage--and some structures that no longer exist. There are also images of different groups of people who visited, and workers who labored on the buildings. Thordarson, a renowned inventor who held nearly 100 patents, started purchasing properties on the island in 1901 and spent summers there. In 1965, 20 years after Thornton’s death at the age of 78, the State of Wisconsin purchased the island from his heirs, and designated the property a state park. The Friends group is slowly going through the negatives, scanning, curating and posting on their Friends of Rock Island Facebook page, preserving the historically significant images. Besides the glimpse into the island’s past, the negatives provide an interesting look at the times—mostly in the 1920s-including women hiking in high heels and men casually gathering, in suits and ties. Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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GETTING
POSSESSIVE Why Don’t Door County Towns Have Apostrophes? by SHARON VERBETEN
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Martha’s Vineyard has one. Gills Rock, Baileys Harbor and Rowleys Bay, however, do not. And as an English major and grammarphile, it’s one of my pet peeves. You see, ever since I began coming up to Door County in the 1980s, I’ve driven by road signs for the aforementioned areas of the peninsula, and I’ve always wondered who forgot to put the apostrophe in the names Gills Rock, Baileys Harbor and Rowleys Bay. In my grammatically-correct book, those names should be Gill's Rock. And Bailey's Harbor. Did the sign makers just forget? No, couldn’t be that, since everywhere the names are mentioned, there are no apostrophes to be found. Perhaps white road sign paint was too expensive to add that tiny little mark? OK, not likely. Then, I posited, maybe the towns weren’t named after people; if they were, that would make the names possessive, requiring that all-important punctuation. Nope again. They are named after people. According to the Baileys Harbor Historical Society, Baileys Harbor was named for Captain Justice Bailey, who in 1848 was seeking safe harbor from a storm when he entered an uncharted refuge (which would later be named after him). Likewise, Gills Rock was named for 19thcentury landowner Elias Gill. Ditto for Rowleys Bay, settled by Peter Rowley in 1835. The plot thickens. Since these areas were, in fact, named after real people, why didn’t the names reflect it? Were our ancestors illiterate? Or just frugal or tentative with their punctuation? Maybe they were eerily prescient precursors to today’s generations who prefer clipped English, LOLs and emojis. Curiously, though, for as long as I’ve been pondering this conundrum, I never pursued the answer…until now. Turns out, the answer is actually kind of boring. But stay with me…
Enter the USBGN Turns out, you can blame the misspellings on the Federal government. Haven’t you ever heard of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names? Neither had I. Probably neither had anyone. The USBGN is a Federal entity created in 1890 to maintain
uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. As a librarian, I can appreciate the group’s dedication to uniformity and consistency. But as a grammar stickler, I simply cringe at he entity's dogged insistence on non-use of the apostrophe—just as much as I cringe when I see a sign at a backwoods gas station that indicates it sells “minnow’s,” placing an apostrophe where none should go. And lest you think naming is an easy issue, I can direct you to an 80+ page document online that explains the USBGN’s Principles, Policies and Procedures. Whew! While I won’t admit to reading the entire treatise, I did find the one sentence I was looking for: “Apostrophes suggesting possession or association are discouraged within the body of a proper geographic name.” Apparently, while my favorite punctuation is discouraged, the group gives no apparent reason why. But historians opine that the USBGN does not want to indicate possession for natural features. So many towns get around using the apostrophe—in a grammatically correct fashion—by using names like Jonestown (instead of Jones Town) or Janesville (instead of Janes Ville). Or...Jacksonport. You get the idea. Confused yet? The all-knowing USBGN does add, “Apostrophes may be used within the body of a geographic name to denote a missing letter (Lake O’ the Woods) or when they normally exist in a surname used as part of a geographic name (O’Malley Draw).” Other than that, however, since 1890, only five locations, nationally, have been allowed to use the apostrophe for natural features (buildings such as banks, stores, etc. are named at the desire of the owners). The Massachusetts island, Martha’s Vineyard, after an extensive local campaign, was given its authorized apostrophe in 1933. No such uprising has occurred on the Door peninsula. OK, that may be more that you wanted to know about apostrophes or any punctuation. But while the USBGN may have its reasons and its apparent authority, I still must lean on the side of good grammar and proper punctuation. As pet peeves go, I’m very possessive. So I’ll still cringe when I drive past the Gills Rock sign (and be tempted to add an apostrophe with a Sharpie…kidding…) But I’m still never going into a store selling Minnow’s or Fresh Ho-Made Sandwiche’s.
Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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The burned remains of the original Bjorklunden lodge after an electrical fire in 1993.
Björklunden:
Rising from the Ashes Lawrence’s Northern Campus that Could story by LAURA BROULLIRE
Björklunden vid Sjön, Swedish for “Birch Grove at the Lake,” is the northern campus for Lawrence University (whose main campus is in Appleton). Located just south of Baileys Harbor with more than a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, the 441-acre estate serves as a haven of learning and relaxation for Lawrence students and staff, as well as the community. The story of how it came to belong to the university is as fascinating as the history of its original owners.
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In the late 1920s, Carleton and Winifred Vail, a couple from Highland Park, Ill., were looking around Door County for a place to build their summer home. In 1928, they settled on a lakeside plot near Baileys Harbor. “They bought 325 acres for $2,000,” said Mark Breseman, Björklunden’s executive director and 1978 Lawrence alum. In 1929, Breseman said, work began on their main four-bedroom house that had a decidedly Scandinavian feel. Later, a guest house was added, as was a caretaker’s lodging that was designed to look like a Norwegian stabbur, and the Vail family enjoyed their summer retreats along the peaceful, pristine MARK BRESEMAN lakefront. Then tragedy struck. “In 1932, Carleton was killed in a car accident south of Institute,” Breseman said. To help recover from her grief following her husband’s death, Winifred travelled around Europe, along with her son, Carl. It was in Lillehammer, Norway, where Winifred saw and fell in love with a wooden chapel called a Stavekirk, or stave church, which became an obsession. “It became so important to her to have one of her own,” Breseman said. Back in the States, Winifred remarried in 1934. She’d known Donald Boynton, a widower with four children, for many years, Breseman said. “The Vails and the Boyntons had been family friends,” he added, and the blended family vacationed together at Björklunden. It took several years for Winifred to convince her new husband to help build a Stavekirk on the estate grounds, but she ultimately succeeded, and the couple broke ground in August of 1939.
‘SANCTUARY FOR ALL’
Winifred Boynton’s memoir, Faith Builds a Chapel, details the labor of love that went in to the creation of the Boynton chapel. Though the couple had no previous wood-carving experience, they set about creating every component of the chapel by hand—from the pews to the archways to the raised lectern. The 130-pound wooden baptismal font, depicting scenes of all 12 apostles, took a combined 656 hours to carve, Breseman said. He described their efforts to create the intricate pieces, done mostly during the wintertime in Illinois, as “fast and furious.” “She did all the needlepoint for the kneelers,” Breseman said, adding that in doing so, “She strained her eyes so continued on pg 8
Top Photos: Another outside view after the 1993 electrical fire destroyed the Bjorklunden main lodge and, below, an inside look at the original Bjorklunden lodge after the devastating fire. Second from bottom: The Door County Advocate's Chan Harris, a Lawrence alum, praised Bjorklunden's rebuilding efforts in a newspaper story and photos. Bottom: “Dragons” adorn the roof the the new Bjorklunden lodge.
Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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BJÖRKLUNDEN TIMELINE
“Far removed from confusion and aggression, it offers a sanctuary for all.” – Winifred Boynton, “Faith Builds a Chapel” 1928: Carleton and Winifred Vail of Highland Park, Illinois, purchase 325 acres south of Baileys Harbor for $2,000 1929: Work begins on main house at estate named Björklunden Vid Sjön to be the Vails’ family summer home. Guest house/studio also built 1931: Caretaker’s home built to look like Norwegian stabbur 1932: Carleton Vail is killed in an auto accident south of Institute. Winifred and son, Carl, embark on a trip to Europe where she falls in love with a Stavekirk (wooden chapel) near a lake in Lillehammer, Norway 1934: Winifred marries Donald Boynton – longtime family friend and widower with four children 1935: Winifred makes plans to build Stavekirk on the Björklunden grounds – her own sanctuary of peace Aug. 1, 1939: Work begins on the wooden chapel. During winter, Winifred and Donald take woodcarving classes to sculpt the detailing, inside and out 1939-47: Boyntons work on chapel. Winifred paints all 41 murals and does needlepoint/embroidery for benches and altar. Baptismal font depicting 12 disciples takes 656 hours to carve by hand 1960s: To preserve estate and her beloved chapel, Winifred looks for an institution that will accept and preserve Björklunden forever. After considering St. Olaf College and Northwestern University, thenPresident Douglas Knight convinces Boyntons to gift property to Lawrence University 1963: Paperwork is signed, finalizing the gift 1966: Donald Boynton dies 1974: Winifred Boynton dies May 17, 1975: Lawrence University dedicates property to Boyntons’ memory 1980: Week-long seminars begin for Lawrence alumni and other adults 1993: Electrical fire destroys original lodge/site of seminars 1995: Lawrence trustees give green light to build 17,000-square-foot lodge June 1996: New lodge is completed August 2007: Expansion of 20,000 square feet is completed The Boynton chapel is open for tours from mid-June through late August on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. Tour fee is $5. Bus tours can also be arranged. The chapel, which can accommodate 36 seated guests, is also a popular venue for small weddings. Reservations must be made online. For information about weddings or receptions in the main lodge or to inquire about facility rentals, call (920) 839-2216 or visit www.lawrence. edu/s/bjorklunden
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Other organizations like the annual Door Kinetic Arts Festival (DKAF) utilize the lodge's facilities for their events. Pictured is a 2018 DKAF play reading featuring nationally-recognized actor Rainn Wilson (second from left.) Door Shakespeare also performs its summer season shows, outdoors in Bjorklunden's garden.
much that she went temporarily blind.” She also painted all 41 murals that comprise the décor. Finally, the chapel—a place of peace and serenity—was completed in 1947. That it was built during the era of World War II while two of their sons served in the military only enhanced the chapel’s significance and importance as a place of respite. “Far removed from confusion and aggression, it offers a sanctuary for all,” Winifred Boynton wrote in her memoir. As Winifred and Donald grew older, she felt conflicted about what to with the Björklunden estate and her beloved chapel. “She wanted it to be used forever,” Breseman said. “So she began researching institutions that might want it.” When initial negotiations with Northwestern University fell through, a vice president at Northwestern put Winifred in touch with a trustee at Lawrence University. Douglas Knight, then-president of Lawrence, convinced Winifred to give Björklunden to the university, and she signed it over in 1963. Following Donald’s death in 1966 and Winifred’s passing in 1974, Lawrence took official ownership of Björklunden in May of 1975, Breseman’s freshman year at the university. He recalled, “I was the first student hired to work here as an assistant caretaker.”
‘LIMPING ALONG’ It wasn’t immediately clear to Lawrence officials what they would do with the estate. For several years in the 1980s and early ’90s, the university held week-long seminars for adults in the original four-bedroom Boynton home. The building, Breseman said, was intended for family use during the summer—not year-round retreats. Even before the 1993 electrical fire destroyed the main house, “We were limping along,” said Breseman. Rob Davis of Ephraim recalled taking a history seminar at Björklunden around 1990. “My mom and I went together
faculty,” Breseman said. “The seminars… had waiting lists every week.” Davis credits Björklunden’s success to the foresight and perseverance of Warch, as well as Joe Hopfensperger, the estate’s first director. “You really have to hand it to them.” Money was raised for another expansion and, in 2007, a 20,000-square-foot addition opened. “If that house had not burned, Björklunden would still be struggling along,” Breseman said. “At the time, it was a huge tragedy. But in hindsight, the fire worked out.” The secluded location lends itself before the main house burned,” said Davis, a current member of well to creative, artistic endeavors the Boynton Society, which secures as well as quiet contemplation, and funding and support for Björklunprogrammers take care to schedule den. a range of seminars that meet the In looking over the wreckage The Bjorklunden property is popular with private events, like weddings, pic- wants of adult registrants while holdafter the 1993 fire, the future of tured here, often using the Boynton Chapel built by Winifred and Donald ing true to the university’s mission. Boynton. the program seemed bleak. “For a “We’ve found our niche,” Bresecouple of years, the trustees did a lot man said. “If we get too big, you don’t get that Björklunden experiof head-scratching,” Breseman recalled. “A number of people felt it ence—the calm and the quiet, which is what Winifred would’ve was in our best interest to sell the property.” “The board was pretty reluctant to move forward, as I’ve heard wanted.” the story,” Davis added. Being on the “quiet side” of Door County is a bonus, too. “No Lawrence trustees, though, had made a promise to Winifred to matter how crazy it is in the county—there might be bumper-toprotect her beloved lakefront property and chapel. Also, “forbumper traffic on the other side of the peninsula—here it is quiet,” tunately for us, (then-) Lawrence University President Richard Breseman said. Warch loved this place,” Breseman said. “It was his idea to start “Baileys Harbor could be hopping, but you’d never know it at the weekend student seminar program,” giving every Lawrence Björklunden,” added Davis. “It’s a wonderful place to get away.” University student an opportunity to explore, enjoy and study at The 441-acre estate features towering woods, meadows and a Björklunden, in addition to restarting and expanding the week-long adult seminars. garden where Door Shakespeare performs seasonally. Seminars run Expansion, however, takes money, which doesn’t grow on birch from June to October, with general seminars available to the pubtrees. While no fundraising was done from 1975 to 1993, a few key lic. The subjects range from reading groups and jazz fantasy camps trustees on Lawrence’s board of directors, however, live or have to classes in photography, literature, pop culture, art and politics. second houses in Door County, Breseman said. “They contributed Seminars led by ABC News anchor/correspondent Terry Moran, a a significant portion of the initial investment,” which led to the 1982 Lawrence grad, always fill quickly, Breseman said. “With three university approving a rebuild in 1995. seminars per week, there’s a lot you can choose from,” he said. RISING FROM ASHES Davis, who’s taken roughly half a dozen Björklunden seminars A 17,000-square-foot Scandinavian chalet-style lodge, in keeping in retirement, said he enjoys the smaller, more intimate classes that with the Norwegian-inspired style and décor of the original house allow for group discussion, such as a recent seminar on cognitive and the other buildings on the grounds, opened in June 1996. It thinking. “The people there are always very interesting,” he said. featured 14 guest rooms, a great room with dining hall and large For information on Bjorklunden facility rentals, classes or programs, seminar space. The response was overwhelming. “Every weekend, we had a long waiting list for students and visit www.laurence.edu/s/bjorklunden or call 920-839-2216.
Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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An apparent waterspout is spotted under an approaching storm, just south of Fish Creek.
Spring:
A season for rebirth; A season for storms A few minutes ago, every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. John Muir, naturalist, writer, conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club 10
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
by BRIAN KELSEY
The sun sets under an approaching storm over the waters of Green Bay.
What can be written about spring in Door County that one doesn’t already know? It is a time for blossoms – cherry and flowers! It is also a time when we venture out to forage for morel mushrooms, ramps, asparagus, or the fearinducing stinging nettle. Spring is the season of rebirth and the time when you say hello to neighbors out walking, versus waving at each other through dirty, snow/ salt covered windshields. Buds form on trees and the stark woods begin to take on a green hue signaling the start of the warm-up. The snowbirds—human migrants to warmer climes--begin their return to the county, and the seasonal migration of various bird species do the same. The diversity at our feeders begins to increase and we know warm weather must be right around the corner. Main Street Market in Egg Harbor begins to fill with conversations about how winter has been both here in Door County as well as further south. The county is beginning to come to life again! With the changing of seasons comes
the changing of weather. Snow showers are replaced by sleet and finally rain. Then begins my least favorite part of spring…the waiting: waiting for the weather to warm up, the grass to greenup and the flowers and cherry trees to bloom. But, during this time, one of my favorite things about spring and summer begins to unfold…thunderstorms. Ever since I was a young boy, I have always loved thunderstorms. While most folks would be awakened by the thunder, I slumbered even more soundly…comforted by the booming noises coming from outside my bedroom window. Now, mind you, I always knew my mom was keeping a close eye on the storm and if anything would get too bad, she would come and gather us into the safest place in our family home. Some level of comfort exists when you grow up in a stone house made from quarried limestone from down the road. It was also comforting to know that the house had stood firm from the late 1800s onward. I’ve got to be honest, my pre-fab home
where I currently live doesn’t always give me that same level of comfort when the winds whip up. But, then again, it has provided a safe home for the past 16 years and we certainly have had our fair share of strong winds and storms. According to the Center for Disease Control “thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur.” That pretty much sums up spring in Door County…and much of the upper Midwest for that matter. With ground temperatures still rebounding from the frozen earth and air temperatures warming, and the collision of warm air from the south and with cool air that occasionally moves in from the north, thunderstorms have the perfect breeding ground. We are fortunate in Door County—we rarely see the destructive nature of tornadoes (thank you Green Bay and Lake Michigan) but that doesn’t mean they can’t happen. Just look back to 1998 when continued on pg 12 Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH
continued
Dark storm clouds announce the arrival of heavy rain, strong winds and lots of thunder and lightning.
Green Bay actually fueled the tornado versus diminishing it, and a destructive twister made a path across the peninsula just south of Egg Harbor. But that was a rarity. I find myself eagerly watching the storm cloud formations, whether at work at Peninsula Players or at my home, just a few miles away. Our home setting couldn’t be more perfect to watch the gathering strength of storms and the endless cloud formations Mother Nature is assembling. We have an amazing view of the sky in all four directions thus giving us an opportunity to watch storms approach and move past our home. Our property on vernal wetlands butting up against the woods of Thorp Pond State Natural Area affords us a dramatic setting to call home. I am forever awestruck at the amazing colors the sky and the clouds can switch to within only a few minutes as a storm approaches or retreats. The lead up to the storm is the main attraction. As for when the storm hits, 12
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well…you are in the storm! But once they pass and the sun comes back out to paint the sky and retreating storm clouds with light, well, that is pretty magical, too. Living overseas in Europe I really missed a good Midwestern storm. In the five plus years I was there, I never experienced one. During those years, I would return to Door County for a two week vacation each August and I would hope there would be a storm at least one of the days I was home. I remember having a friend visit with me and explaining to him how magical a Door County storm could be. During that visit, I had family from Alaska in town, too, and a storm struck Sturgeon Bay. Before it did, the clouds churned like crazy and the sky began to turn green. I warned that hail was coming and that we should get inside. Thankfully, we were just outside of Kick Coffee and we were able to watch the full fury of the storm safely through large windows. My friend and Alaskan family were
stunned by the magnitude of the storm and were even more dumbfounded when they went outside and the temperature had dropped nearly 30 degrees. You cannot explain these types of storms…they can only be experienced. And for this guy, a 30-degree drop in summer is just what the doctor ordered. I’ll take low 60s over low 90s any day! Working at Peninsula Players, I get a front row seat to the storms that roll in from the south, north or west. If there is rumbling in the sky, you can be certain that I will get up from my desk and head straight for the shoreline to see what mischief Mother Nature is up to. I’ve photographed many approaching storms but never so dramatically as the August storm of 2015. That storm took out power in northern Door County for a few days and resulted in the canceling of several events. As a co-worker and I gathered on the beach just down from the Peninsula Players' Beer Garden, I knew this one was going to be special.
This photo of a spectacular storm approaching the shore by Peninsula Players, taken by Brian Kelsey, became a viral sensation on social media.
We watched with great anticipation as the sky changed to an amazing shade of gray/blue and the storm clouds began to form exceptional shapes and colors. It was truly something to behold and I was so thankful I was there to capture the majesty of it all. In fact, two separate photos I shared on Facebook garnered over 74,000 likes as it was shared over and over again. I even received a painting of one of the photos for my wedding and it now proudly hangs on my office wall. Storms and their fury and incredible beauty will continue to capture my eye as we usher in this transitional season that bridges winter with summer. The change from cold to warm weather will always signal the oncoming storm season. So, rather than running indoors so quickly, stay for a moment (if you are able to do so safely) and watch the storm come together…marvel at the sky and the clouds before the deluge sets in. Be like the trees in John Muir’s quote at the beginning of this article… dance, wave your arms as if in glorious worship! Should the storm occur at nighttime, may you find your self comforted a bit more as you hear the thunder rolling over the peninsula and the lightening dancing over the sky. Change is change is change…and it never happens without a little bit of fury. Before we are able to fully usher in the warm summer days, we must live through the turbulent spring weather…and as long as it doesn’t bring snow in May, then let it just be a signal of warmer times to come.
Door County is a perfect place to watch storms roll in, since most arrive from the west, the waters of Green Bay provide an unobstructed view. (Of course, if the storm is serious, as some are, it's more important to seek safe shelter than to linger.) Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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in the KITCHEN
An early dinner feast at Mike's Port Pub in Jacksonport.
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DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
THE PUB LIFE LAUTENBACHS FIND JACKSONPORT PERFECT PLACE Story by MIKE SHAW | Photos by HEIDI HODGES
Mid-interview, the husband-and-wife co-owners of Mike’s Port Pub in central Jacksonport make a surprising admission— not the scandal-worthy type but certainly fodder for thought.
The towns of Jacksonport and Baileys Harbor, and Door County’s tourism marketing agency, play up the Quiet Side motto to paint the region as a peaceful, laid back alternative to the go-go vibe, larger crowds and bumper-to-bumper traffic along the Green Bay shore. At the same time, though, Jacksonport’s also positioning itself to get a few more bites out of the pie with planned developments such as a 131-site The unassuming facade of Mike's Port Pub in Jacksonport. RV park/campground at the south Even after more than a quarterentrance to the community. century in business, plenty of local Not to say Mike’s Port Pub is hurting, after having built awards for food and friendliness, and a consistently 28 years’ worth of loyal support from year-round resistrong word-of-mouth that’s near the five-star range, dents and strong reviews from visitors who do happen to Door County natives Mike and Barb Lautenbach worry give it a try. about being discovered. “We only hire the people who are personable and “We hear it every year; we heard it twice just this last outgoing,” Barb said. “I think if you’re looking for a local month, and it’s (the slower time of) December,” Barb place to have conversations with local people, this is the Lautenbach said. “‘We’ve been going by here for years’ place to go. It’s just the friendly atmosphere and consis(and didn’t notice you).” tency with our food.” Location, location, location can’t be the issue—can “And my glowing personality,” the more acerbic Mike it?—seeing that the Port Pub sits astride State Highway deadpanned. “We’re known for our burgers but it’s not 57 and across from the spacious Lake Michigan beach just a pub menu, not just burgers and then some hors and playground of Jacksonport’s Lakeside Park. d’oeuvres stuff (for appetizers).” But in another sense, the Lautenbachs’ physical setting The Lautenbachs added their 12-room Innlet Motel to might hold them back competitively, at least compared the property in 1997 to offer reasonable nightly rates and to the more action-packed villages on the western end of counter the spiraling prices typically charged elsewhere the peninsula, the Highway 42/Green Bay side. in northern Door. The addition meshed with their dediOut-of-town drivers might ignore the chillier, more cation to the Door County Tavern League and its promoblustery towns along Lake Michigan completely. At best, tion of responsible drinking, Barb said. they might use Highway 57 as a rapid bypass of the A year-round restaurant is not unknown north of Stursummer traffic tie-ups on 42—a roundabout route, to geon Bay, but to pair it with a year-round motel was a be sure, but with the bay shore hamlets of Sister Bay, particularly peculiar rarity. Ephraim, Fish Creek and Egg Harbor the destination “With the drinking laws, people like that they can go nonetheless. do their Door County thing, then come back here, have “Jacksonport and the ‘Quiet Side’ isn’t seen as Door dinner and a few drinks and just walk to their room,” County; Sturgeon Bay isn’t even perceived as Door Barb said. “We get the same little Harley clubs in there County,” Mike Lautenbach. continued on pg 16 Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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in the KITCHEN
continued
Left: Seasoned shrimp tacos, with home-made “slaw-sa.” Top right: The popular Boxcar, a hunger-canceling cheeseburger with a brat patty. Bottom: A window into the kitchen gives diners a glimpse of the hustle and bustle “behind the scenes,” along with a little tongue-in-cheek signage.
a lot, groups of three or four couples (on motorcycle tours).” “It was a way of getting the winter business, too, being right along the snowmobile trails, but we haven’t had much good snow the last few years,” Mike added. The pub specializes in all-American fare like pork chops and broasted chicken and only-in-Wisconsin traditions like the Friday fish fry, where the selections include beer-battered cod, perch, walleye, pollock, a shrimp basket, a shrimp/walleye combo and an all-of-the-above platter. The kitchen makes its own chicken breading, soups, coleslaw and homemade jams (cherry, blueberry or whatever’s in season). The jellies became a new undertaking when the Port Pub started serving breakfast in 2012 (“when it started to really get insane,” according to Barb). In BB times (before breakfast), the doors didn’t open until 11 a.m. But in the after-breakfast era, the summer hours are 7 a.m. to whenever the bar empties, and, Barb said, “Once the grill is on, it’s on all night.” Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. The signature morning dish—it, in fact, leads off the 16
DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
breakfast menu list—is dubbed the “Jacksonport Sandbox.” A helping of hash browns provides the bed for a brat patty drenched in homemade biscuit gravy, with two eggs and toast on the side. But if that sounds deliciously filling, the “sandbox” has nothing on Mike’s Belly Buster, the undisputed king of the lunch/menu choices. And this king dares you to defy his pre-eminence. The challenge? Diners must, within half an hour, devour a towering burger made up of three one-third pound patties layered with an onion haystack, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and three pickles and, for good measure, a full pound of fries. If you’re keeping count, that’s three pounds of food not even including the veggies and other toppers. And this is no Burger King, have-it-your-way deal; no ingredient may be withheld, at least to be eligible for the perks of finishing. Those who gobble this entire gargantuan sandwich within the 30-minute limit win a T-shirt and a photo on what’s become Mike’s little gastro wall of fame. The alltime record conquer was done in 5 minutes, 25 seconds.
The beast burger plate sells for $17.95, roughly double most other dishes on the menu. “The ones that can’t finish, it’s usually the fries that does them in,” Mike said.
A FAMILY HISTORY The toothpaste-white Port Pub building has been a tavern under a slew of names for about 80 years. As a child growing up in the 1960s, Barb recalls perhaps its most catchy incarnation—Art’s In, So Is Esther. Among the earlier owners were Barb’s aunt and uncle, Evelyn and Lawrence “Shorty” Haen, from 1977-83. As a married adult and young mother, Barb started working part-time at the establishment in 1988, then called Geno’s under the ownership of Gene and Sharon Kessen. Gene Kessen started the food-service business there by adding a charcoal grill, broaster and deep fryer. The next year, Mike joined her there as a six-night-aweek bartender after being laid off at the former Peterson Builders shipyard. Barb, while continuing to cook at Geno’s in the evenings, also took a job at the newly arrived Sturgeon Bay Wal-Mart. Both Lautenbachs “swore” they would never enter the bar/food business as owners because they grew up around the industry. Although the profession drilled in a work ethic, they also witnessed the exhausting hours it took to survive and be away from family. So imagine Barb’s surprise when Mike came home one night in 1991 and told her he had just struck a deal to buy the bar and grill from the Kessens. Barb’s parents operated the old Bob & Jean’s Midtown Tap in Egg Harbor from 1965-82, adding a grill and food in the early 1970s at what is now Mojo Rosa’s restaurant. Casey’s Inn, the barbecue joint just around the bend in Egg Harbor, was in Mike’s family for 45 years starting with paternal grandfather August “Casey” Lautenbach, who’s still the famous place’s namesake.
BREAKFAST
Mike and Barb Lautenbach are at the helm of Mike's Port Pub, a popular watering hole and eatery in Jacksonport, on Door County's “quiet side.” Mike, a Vietnam veteran, offers a 10% discount to any military vet.
Who will the next generation of Jacksonport residents and summer people find greeting them at the Port Pub? The business has been quietly for sale, but the answer remains unknown. “I’m going to be 69, and the hours get to me,” Mike said just before Christmas 2018. “I’m ready to relax, and we just got a new grandchild. Our (three) kids aren’t interested in buying it. They all have good jobs, but they always help us out when there’s a dire need. “It’s tough. I can be doing paperwork until 1 or 2 in the afternoon, take a brief rest and then cook all night. By the time I clean up, it’s going on 11 or midnight.” Time passes and the memories do too, but the generations have been kind to the Lautenbachs. “The kids were 4, 6 and 8 when we bought it, and now they’re in their late 30s,” Barb added. “The regulars have seen our kids grow up, just like we’ve seen the generations (of customers) change.
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10640 N. Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay, WI • 854-2841 Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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Once Upon a Time Celebrating the Lowly Outhouse 18
DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
FOCUSED
by
Spring for photographers here in Door County isn’t all just cherry blossoms and trilliums.
SUZANNE
ROSE
A well-maintained pit toilet can be a lifesaver on a cool, pre-dawn expedition to Cave Point after enjoying one too many travel mugs of coffee to ward off the morning chill.
Over the years, I’ve awed at historic presidential privies at Monticello, Poplar Forest and Mount Vernon. I found myself lingering in a few, reverently, during tours of antebellum home’s slave quarters while visiting Louisiana and South Carolina. I’ve even checked out a fascinating book or two on outhouse history from our local library.
In this day and age, one would think the outhouse is just a nostalgic vestige of times gone by, but here in the county the unplumbed latrine is alive, well and a reliable resource.
But the one at the Logerquist farm was special.
According to the Door County Parks Department office, all but a few are kept open yearround at the 19 locations found from Southern Door to Washington Island.
I’m not a nostalgic person, and the prospects of falling in love with one seemed quite impossible, until I discovered Barbara’s Farm.
Believe it or not, some of the most valuable site locations are not “where to find the best forget-me-not-covered woodland floor” but rather “knowing where the nearest public restroom is located.”
There was a time when the outhouse was commonplace, even after indoor plumbing came widely onto the scene in the1930s. Farmers, I’m told, opted for the outhouse during their working day, in lieu of having to remove dirty boots and coveralls to use the convenience of the modern indoors flush toilet. It not only kept the lady of the house happy, it also extended the life of the privy in the rural Midwest well into the mid-20th century. Some of the best examples I’ve stumbled upon locally over the years have been nestled behind the house in a row of lilacs or tucked in along a picket fence just past the clothesline. These “backhouses” were meant to be handy enough to reach after dark with a lantern but not too close by day to be unsightly. Discovering an old outhouse isn’t too difficult, but finding one in “good repair” is rare. Like in all things, the expense of maintenance will dictate priority in which rural outbuildings are maintained. One Door County farm that stands out is the Logerquist Century Farm in Sister Bay. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this farm has volumes written. This is the place where I first truly fell in love with the lowly outhouse.
Barbara Logerquist was a steward of the family farm on Woodcrest Road for many years. Countless times, she graciously granted access for the photo workshops I teach. With every visit, she would take time to share stories with my students about the property’s history and the uses of the many buildings from the chicken coop to the “picker cabins,” the multiple granaries to the smokehouse. But it was the “his and hers” continued on pg 20 Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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FOCUSED continued
outhouses—the men’s being a double-seater—that stirred the most interest. There were many times I saw a row of photographers, with expensive cameras, long lenses mounted on professional tripods, giving serious consideration to these very modest buildings. I’m not alone; these leaning latrines have stolen many hearts. During pre-depression years, Door County’s many cherry orchards thrived, producing peak crops. Farmers made a good living and, in this success, the need to hire migrant fruit pickers became necessary to harvest the bounty. The workers at the Logerquist Farm stayed on the property in “cherry camps” and, later, in small cabins explicitly built for the seasonal help. With these historyrich stories of the Logerquist Farm, the outhouses became much more than rickety structures. They became symbols of Midwestern grit on the levels of a John Steinbeck novel. Door County has been nationally recognized for its cherry industry since 1909. Connecting the history to the surviving architecture of that era is powerful. Sadly, this particular pair on the Logerquist farm has been recently razed, but vintage outhouses in the county live on. Though most are tucked away on private properties, an outstanding brick specimen at Cana Island that dates back to 1869—built for the lighthouse keeper and his family—still stands and is a real gem for the public to enjoy (but not use!). Modern-day privies are at our disposal here in Door County. As a photographer, I rely on them. Photographing in remote areas and during all four seasons of the year, the outhouse is my most reliable public resource for this caffeine addicted, water 20
DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
drinking and kombucha-loving photographer. Because the pit toilets are a “dry bathroom,” without running water, there is no need for the facilities to be closed when the temperatures begin to fall. The modern dry design also benefits remote areas like Rock Island, Cana Island and Ellison Bay Bluff Park offering visitors a public restroom option without drastically altering the ecosystem, busting the budget or clearing the wild landscape for a septic system to support flush toilets. Potawatomi and Peninsula State Parks have several pit latrines as well, which keep costs down for these public lands with tight funding. Agrarian architecture never fails to unlock an emotional response. The charm of the old-fashion outhouse is palpable and will always be a pocket-sized symbol of modest times and simple living. Connecting the dots to its modern-day counterparts makes me more tolerant of the “rustic” experience and grateful that they are so abundant. Be it a modern-day pit toilet, a well-preserved privy or a dilapidated old outhouse, they are all reminders of the fortitude, eco-friendliness and economical options, while being direct conduits to our rural history. Despite the loss of the Logerquist’s Century Farm pair—a heartbreak I’m still mending—the outhouse will always hold a special place in the local charisma and, for me, are always a welcome sight, photographically or otherwise. Please visit my website, www.suzannerose.com, for educational opportunities and more.
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We invite you
to take a photo of yourself, family or friends reading Door County Magazine. Be creative. Take the photo in an interesting place or with interesting people. Email your photo to DCMagazinePenPic@gannett. com. Please include names of people in the pictures, name of the photographer, location and date. We will select pictures for each issue to be published in the magazine, on our website and in promotional materials.
penPICS 2
1. Pat Walsh and JoEllen Davis visited Greece in October 2018 including the beautiful island of Santorini. 2. Brother and sister Craig Schumante, from Seattle, WA, and Carol Breuch, of Manuoket, IA pose with the Summer 2018 Door County Magazine in Shilshole Bay, WA. Craig and his wife had recently returned from Norway where they were able to visit the farm of Craig and Carol's Norwegian ancestors. Their great grandfather emigrated to Door County in 1857 at the age of 14, along with his parents and several siblings. After fishing in Menominee, MI and in Egg Harbor, he began farming in Sturgeon Bay. In 1928 he sold his 100-acre farm to Leathem Smith who developed Sturgeon Bay's first yacht club and country club facility. 3. Rose Marie and John Mastricola from Green Bay, visited Zermatt, Switzerland in September 2018. The Matterhorn is in the background. 4. Door County Magazine Editor Heidi Hodges (right) and her mom Kay Reiche pose with the Winter 2018-19 issue while enjoying a sunny, warm and very spontaneous vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—and discovering a little unexpected ethnic food near the famous Malecon boardwalk, at the extra-delicious Jerusalem Express restaurant.
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5. John LaBorde of Oconomowoc visited Antarctica in January 2019. LaBorde's mission was to see how far south he count travel, and to see the wildlife and unspoiled natural environment. At 9659 miles from Sturgeon Bay, it's likely the furthest distance Door County Magazine has traveled. Find all these images & more on
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4 THE PLAY'S THE THING. Bjorklunden in Baileys Harbor. Play reading by Peninsula Players. Play TBD. 7 p.m. Free. www.peninsulaplayers.com 920-868-3287. 7 MARITIME SPEAKER SERIES. Door County Maritime Museum. 120 N. Madison St. Sturgeon Bay. Tom Wenstadt speaks on Title XI vessels built in Door County. www.dcmm.org. 920-743-5958. 7 SIT AROUND SINGING. UU Fellowship of Door County, Green Gables shops 10341 Hwy 42, Ephraim. A group singing event organized by local singer-songwriter Katie Dahl. All ages welcome. Songbooks and refreshments provided. 6 – 7 p.m. Free. PHOTO BY MIKE BRISSON
Spring 2019 THIS CALENDAR WAS COMPILED WITH INFORMATION GATHERED THROUGH THE DOOR COUNTY VISITOR BUREAU AND DOOR COUNTY PUBLISHING. ALL DATES, LOCATIONS & TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
MARCH 2019
1-3 RIGHT TO LIVE. Third Avenue Playhouse, 239 N. 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay. Guest artist Habibah Sheikh directs members of the community, students and adults, in an original devised theater piece based on real narratives from refugees. www.thirdavenueplayhouse.com. 920-743-1760. 1-3 SCRAPBOOK SPECTACULAR. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Time, space and advice on scrapbooking and journaling. www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 2 FIRSIDE COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT. Door Community Auditorium, 3924 Hwy 42 Fish Creek. WRiTER'S NiGHT moves to the auditorium for one night. Hosted by Cathy Grier. Tickets at www.dcauditorium.org. 920-868-2728. 2 MARY WHITE DREAMING OF SPRING. Plum Bottom Gallery, 4999 Plum Bottom Rd, Egg Harbor. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Featuring paintings and demonstrations by Mary White. Wine and light hors d'oeuvres. Free. www.plumbottomgallery.com. 920-743-2819. 2 OWL-A-RAMA. Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy. 57 Baileys Harbor. Great learning experiences for the entire family from crafts to night hikes to live owls. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.ridgessanctuary.org. 920-839-2802. 2-3 THE CLEARING FOLK SCHOOL WINTER PROGRAM EXHIBIT. The Clearing, Ellison Bay. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Art, fine crafts, nature studies and projects created during the Winter Program of more than 90 classes will be featured. Free. www.theclearing.org. 920-854-4088.
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DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
8 WINE AND CHEESE GALA. Mr. G's Logan Creek Grill, 5890 Hwy 57, Jacksonport. A festive evening featuring locally-crafted wines, cheese. Live music. Proceeds go to scholarships for Southern Door students involved in FFA programs. 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets at www.doorcountywineandcheese.com 920-493-3712. 9 BAILEYS HARBOR WINTER FARM MARKET. Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 Cty F. Local vendors, home made wares, canned goods, and health and beauty products. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.baileysharbordoorcounty.com. 920-839-2366 14 COMEDY CLUB. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Live comedy performance. Optional buffet dinner. For tickets, www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 16 FAMILY ART DAY. Peninsula School of Art, 3900 Cty F, Fish Creek. 9 a.m. – noon. Free for families with children ages 3 to 17. Drop in any time for art-making fun. www.peninsulaschoolofart.org. 920-868-3455. 16 WINTER FARM MARKET. Prince of Peace Church, 1756 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Community farm market with meats, produce, pasta, honey, canned goods, soaps, eggs, baked goods, hand-crafed items and more. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 16 ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE. Downtown Sturgeon Bay. 11 a.m. Celebrate your Irish spirit. www.sturgeonbay.net. 16 LIBRARY LIVE! Miller Art Museum, 107 S 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. A free concert series, with musical acts in various genres. For times, www.doorcountylibrary.org. 920-743-6578. 23 JUSTIN FLOM. Southern Door Auditorium, 2073 Cty DK, Brussels. Nationally touring illusionist well-known for YouTube series and television show. Show at 7 p.m. Tickets online at www.sdauditorium.org or 920-493-5979. 27 WHITE GULL INN FOLK CONCERT. 4225 Main St., Fish Creek. Singer-songwriter Susan Gibson. Optional pre-concert fixed-price dinner, 6 p.m. Concert, 8 p.m. www.whitegullinn.com. 920-868-3517.
calendarofevents APRIL 2019
20 EASTER EGG HUNT. Fitzgerald Park, 1594 Old School Rd, Ellison Bay. Children ages 2-12 are invited to join in the hunt. Children over 12 years old can volunteer to help hide the colorful plastic "Easter eggs" containing small toys and sweets. Free. 12 – 2 p.m. 920-421-1754.
4 OPENING NIGHT: SHOOTING STAR. Third Avenue Playhouse, 234 N. 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay. Two former lovers who meet after 25 years while snowed in at an airport. Featuring Amy Ensign and Doug Mancheski. “Pay what you can” preview April 3. Runs through April 20th. www.thirdavenueplayhouse.com. 920-73-1760.
20 JACKSONPORT EASTER EGG HUNT. Lakeside Park, Hwy 57. www.jacksonport.net. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
4 MARITIME SPEAKER SERIES. Door County Maritime Museum. 120 N. Madison St. Sturgeon Bay. Speaker to be announced. www.dcmm.org. 920-743-5958.
25-28 BAILEYS HARBOR BROWN TROUT TOURNAMENT. Throughout Door and Kewaunee County's waters. Over $8,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs, paying out to the Top 40 fish. Fee to enter. www.baileysharbor.doorcounty.com. 920-839-2366.
1 THE PLAY'S THE THING. Bjorklunden in Baileys Harbor. Play reading by Peninsula Players. Play TBD. Free. www.peninsulaplayers.com 920-868-3287.
4 SIT AROUND SINGING. UU Fellowship of Door County, Green Gables shops 10341 Hwy 42, Ephraim. A group singing event organized by local singer-songwriter Katie Dahl. All ages welcome. Songbooks and refreshments provided. 6 – 7 p.m. p.m. Free. 5-7 SCRAPBOOK SPECTACULAR. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Time, space and advice on scrapbooking and journaling. www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 6 KARAOKE. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. 9 p.m. www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 11 COMEDY CLUB. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Live comedy performance. Optional buffet dinner. For tickets, www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 12, 14 LEAP: A HUMAN KINDNESS PROJECT. Southern Door Community Auditorium, 2073 Cty DK, Brussels. Students from Door County will perform a vibrant production featuring dance, music and the spoken word with multimedia imagery woven together to tell the powerful true-life stories of social injustice, oppression, and our constant struggle with self worth. 7 p.m. Tickets: www.sdauditorim.org. 920-493-5979. 13 THINK SPRING: IKEBANA SHOW OPENING. Plum Bottom Pottery, 4999 Plum Bottom Rd, Egg Harbor. 1 - 4 p.m. Enjoy the art of flower arranging. Wine and hors d'oeuvres. Free. www.plumbottomgallery.com. 920-743-2819. 13 BAILEYS HARBOR WINTER FARM MARKET. Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 Cty F. Local vendors, home made wares, canned goods, and health and beauty products. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.baileysharbordoorcounty.com. 920-839-2366 20 WINTER FARM MARKET. Prince of Peace Church, 1756 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Community farm market with meats, produce, pasta, honey, canned goods, soaps, eggs, baked goods, hand-crafed items and more. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 20 FAMILY ART DAY. Peninsula School of Art, 3900 Cty F, Fish Creek. 9am-noon. Free for families with children ages 3 to 17. Drop in any time for art-making fun. www.peninsulaschoolofart.org. 920-868-3455.
21 SISTER BAY EASTER EGG HUNT. Waterfront Park. 10693 N Bay Shore Dr/Hwy 42. Sister Bay. For times, 920-854-3230.
26 MIDSUMMERS MUSIC CONCERT. Scandia Village-Good Samaritan Society 10560 Applewood Rd. Sister Bay. Featuring the B Double Sharp program with the Griffon String Quartet. 2 p.m. 920-854-7088.
MAY 2019
1 WHITE GULL INN FOLK CONCERT. 4225 Main St., Fish Creek. Award-winning bluegrass band Mile Twelve. 6 p.m. optional pre-concert fixed-price dinner; 8 p.m. concert. www.whitegullinn.com. 920-868-3517. 2 SIT AROUND SINGING. UU Fellowship of Door County, Green Gables, Ephraim. A group singing event organized by local singer-songwriter Katie Dahl. All ages welcome. Songbooks and refreshments provided. 6 - 7 p.m. Free. 3 KING ARTHUR'S QUEST. Southern Door Community Auditorium, 2073 Cty DK, Brussels. A presentation by Missoula Children's Theater featuring local children in grades K-8. $5 tickets at www.sdauditorim.org. 920-825-7311. 3-5 SCRAPBOOK SPECTACULAR. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Time, space and advice on scrapbooking and journaling. www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. 4-5 SELF-GUIDED POTTERY STUDIO TOUR AND SALE. Door County Potters’ Guild Annual Studio Tour and Sale. Potteries of Door County open their doors for this annual celebration of the start of the summer season. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.doorcountypottersguild.com. 4 STURGEON BAY ROTARY SHIPYARD TOURS. Participating shipyards in Sturgeon Bay. Tickets available at shipyard entry. www.sturgeonbay.net. 920-743-6246. 9 COMEDY CLUB. Landmark Resort. 7643 Hillside Rd., Egg Harbor. Live comedy performance. Optional buffet dinner. For tickets, www.thelandmarkresort.com. 920-868-5164. continued on pg 24 Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
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11 CABELA'S NORTH AMERICAN BASS CIRCUIT. Wave Point Marina, 3600 Cty Rd CC, Sturgeon Bay. Competitive bass fishing with cash prizes. Spectators can watch weigh in. www.northamericanbasscircuit.com. 920-824-5440. 11 LIBRARY LIVE! Miller Art Museum, 107 S 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. A free concert series, with musical acts in various genres. For times, www.doorcountylibrary.org. 920-743-6578. 15 OPENING NIGHT: THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY. Third Avenue Playhouse, 234 N. 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay. Featuring Alan Kopischke. “Pay what you can” preview May 14. Runs through June 9th. www.thirdavenueplayhouse.com 920-73-1760.
17-18 STURGEON BAY OPEN BASS TOURNAMENT. Wave Point Marina, 3600 Cty Rd CC, Sturgeon Bay. Live weigh in, kids day, dock dance, drinks, food, and raffle. www.sbobt.org. 18 FAMILY ART DAY. Peninsula School of Art, 3900 Cty F, Fish Creek. 9 a.m. – noon. Free for families with children ages 3 to 17. Drop in any time for art-making fun. www.peninsulaschoolofart.org. 920-868-3455. 18 BLESSING OF THE FLEET FESTIVAL. Throughout Baileys Harbor. Paying tribute to both past and present fishing and maritime industries in Baileys Harbor. Scottie Rally and Annual Parade of Scots. Fish boil, arts & crafts, food, drinks, live music, Range Light tours, and much more. www.baileysharbor.com. 920-493-5878. 18 PLANT SALE. The Garden Door, 4312 Hwy. 42, Sturgeon Bay. Annual Door County Master Gardeners Association plant sale. Annuals and perennials. 8 a.m. – noon. 18 VILLAGE-WIDE RUMMAGE SALE. Throughout Sister Bay. Maps available. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.sisterbaywi.gov. 920-854-4118. 18-19 SPRING ART CRAWL. Ellison Bay. Explore one-of-a-kind art galleries, shops, and nature trails. Enjoy refreshments and demonstrations while browsing this unique event. Maps are available at all member galleries. Facebook.com/EllisonBayArts. 920-854-4839. 19 BAILEYS HARBOR WINTER FARM MARKET. Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 Cty F. Local vendors, home made wares, canned goods, and health and beauty products. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.baileysharbordoorcounty.com. 920-839-2366. 23-26 DOOR COUNTY FESTIVAL OF NATURE. Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy. 57, Baileys Harbor. A celebration of Door County's natural beauty. Field trips and nature activities for all ages. $25-$90, cost varies based on type and length of field trip. www.ridgessanctuary.org. 920-839-2802. 25 CAR SHOW AND BRAT SALE. Country Walk Shops, 508 Country Walk Dr., Sister Bay. Featuring a brat fry and beer, 50/50 raffle for cash and prizes, and a kids race car model making. Benefits the Lions to support the local community. Open to the public. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 25-26 STURGEON BAY FINE ART FAIR. Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay. Juried multi-media art show, entertainment, children’s activities, food and music. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.sturgeonbay.net. 800-301-6695 or 920-743-6246. 25-26 MAIFEST. Lakeside Park in Jacksonport. Art fair, fun run, great food, music, parade and more. www.jacksonport.net. 920-823-2288. 25-26 OUTDOOR ART SHOW. Plum Bottom Gallery, 4999 Plum Bottom Rd, Egg Harbor. Featuring one-of-a-kind outdoor art pieces. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hors d'oeurves. www.plumbottomgallery.com. 920-743-2819.
Photo by Heidi Hodges
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DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
marketPLACE ENTERTAINMENT
PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE Door County’s premiere professional theatrical treasure, presenting Broadwayquality comedies, dramas and musicals in an enchanting shoreline setting for 84 seasons. Visitors and locals alike delight in a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Enjoy pre-show beverages under a canopy of cedars before being astounded by the stellar artistic company. June 18-Oct 20, 2019. 920-868-3287 www.peninsulaplayers.com
LODGING
LITTLE SWEDEN 8984 HWY. 42, FISH CREEK The Villas at Little Sweden are a home for all your senses, a place to relax & enjoy life. Enjoy 89 acres of natural splendor with 4 miles of trails, on-site golf course, location close to popular attractions, world-class amenities, year-round activities & daily concierge service. Door County’s luxury vacation resort offers the finest accommodations. 920-868-9950 www.little-sweden.com
SHOPPING
MCKEEFRY & YEOMANS LLP 10440 N Hwy 42, Ephraim. Featuring fine gifts, furniture and home accessories, along with a variety of tried and true gardening tools and ornamentation. Door County-grown fresh flower bouquets are available in season, along with silk arrangements created by our in-house floral designer. 920-854-4749 www.mcyeo.com
CHURCHES PLACES OF WORSHIP
CALVARY AND ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES 920-868-3112 www.calvaryandzionumc.org “We Are Merging Excitement and Hope into Vital Faith” Rev. Michael Morris, parishoffice@calvaryzionumc.org. Zion Services: 8:45 Worship, 8781 County Rd F, between Fish Creek and Baileys Harbor. Calvary Services: 10:30 a.m. Worship, 4650 County Rd E, Egg Harbor DOOR OF LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2731 Hwy 42, Sister Bay 920-421-1525 10:00 a.m. Sunday Bible Based Messages Contemporary Worship Non Denominational Nursery - Cafe - Food Pantry (24/7) www.dooroflife.org www.facebook.com/Dooroflife. SHEPHERD OF THE BAY LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) Hwy. 42, Ellison Bay 920-854-2988 www.shepherdofthebay.org 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 11:00 a.m. Adult Faith Formation ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 108 W. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay 920-743-4431 www.stpeterslutheran.net Handicap accessible - audio enhanced (Hearing Loop) Sunday adult Bible classes - Children’s Sunday School everyone is welcome here. Worship on Saturday at 5 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF DOOR COUNTY 10341 Hwy. 42, North Ephraim 920-854-7559 contact@uufdc.org An Open Door to Understanding, Compassion, and Justice Sunday Services 10:00am Year-Round Find Service Podcasts & More at uufdc.org
Spring 2019 | DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM
MCKEEFRY & YEOMANS LLP
Door County
Gifts, Furniture and Accessories Door County Grown Cut Flowers
Vacation villas located in the heart of Door County!
FOR THE HOME
10440 HWY 42 EPHRAIM • 920.854.4749 mckyeo.com • Open Year Round
8984 Hwy 42 Fish Creek, WI www.little-sweden.com 920.868.9950
2019 SEASON JUNE 18 to JULY 7
A Trick of the Light
A world première comedy by Peter Moore. Eddie becomes unexpectedly invisible!
JULY 10 to JULY 28
A Murder is Announced By Leslie Darbon. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s novel.
JULY 31 to AUGUST 18
Gift Certificates, Season Subscriptions, Group and Individual Tickets Now Available by Phone at 920.868.3287 Individual online ticket sales begin March 1.
“Wonderful theater! Hard to believe this is not Broadway!”
Mother Nature provides the picturesque setting and the Peninsula Players’ renowned artistic company provides a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.
Don’t miss this Door County treasure!
June 18 - October 20
920.868.3287 • www.PeninsulaPlayers.com Between Egg Harbor & Fish Creek west of Hwy 42
DOORCOUNTYMAGAZINE.COM | Spring 2019
Ghost The Musical
Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin. Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart & Glen Ballard. Based on the Paramount Pictures film written by Bruce Joel Rubin.
AUGUST 21 to SEPTEMBER 1
Silent Sky
A stellar play by Lauren Gunderson.
SEPTEMBER 4 to OCTOBER 20
George Washington’s Teeth By Mark St. Germain. False teeth, false history and genuine laughter.
PLAYBILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE