Door County Almanak

The U.S. Mail in Door County Anyone who has lived in a small town and is old enough to remember times before radio and television became a way of life knows the joys the local post office could bring. It was the nerve center of the whole community. The distribution of the daily mail was the time for a gathering of all those who were curious about the delights and sorrows their lock-box might hold, or who wished to swap gossip with their neighb...

Excerpt from Almanak No. 3 Door County’s Famous Fish Boil The “fish boil” has become one of Door County’s biggest tourist attractions. Many questions have been asked—A fish what? What does it taste like? How is it done? Fish, potatoes, and onions all in one pot? Is it a soup? Where did it all begin? Where can I find one? As one of the daughters of the people that “started” the “fish boil” as a business, I’ll try to answer most of these questi...

Excerpt from Almanak No. 2 The Hill Orchard: Continuing a Family Tradition It was a warm August afternoon when I followed Jean Hill’s green pickup truck down to the Ray Nordeen place on Old Stage Road, just a quarter mile south of the Scandia intersection. My little compact reeled drunkenly over the rough trail that wound past the well-established rows of an old orchard, finally halting at a stately stand of Whitney crabs. Mrs. Hill, dressed...

Excerpt from Almanak No. 1 Hickey Brothers Fishery: Following in the Steps of Grandfather Commercial fishing: a chance to play for a living. You get a little exercise, a little fresh air, a little action. You ride around in a boat and catch a few rays while you work. The fish are free for the taking out there, so it’s an easy way to make big bucks. Such was the attitude of the job-seeking young collegian that interrupted my conversation with...