Here’s a rare opportunity to view one of Door County’s largest historic 19th century industrial farm complexes.
On Saturday, August 27 the Egg Harbor Historical Society will host a picnic on the grounds of the historic Horseshoe Bay Barns to celebrate Egg Harbor’s 150th Anniversary. All those interested in Door County’s history and preserving our stories for future generations are invited to attend.
Former employees and friends of Horseshoe Bay Farms, one of the county’s most picturesque buildings, will conduct tours of the 10 building complex. Guests will learn how a large agribusiness was conducted during a time when horses did what tractors do today. Horseshoe Bay Farms was once one of the largest in Wisconsin and produced milk, cherries, and apples. It also hosted a Bull Pen where outstanding steers bread cows for distribution throughout the United States. Recently unearthed movie footage of the working farm during its heyday will be presented along with hundreds of historic photos archived by the Historical Society.
Miss Wisconsin 2010 Kimberly Sawyer, an Egg Harbor native, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the day’s events, which run from 10 am to 5 pm.
Guests may bring their own picnic supplies and food and set up their picnic area on the grounds. Those who prefer the easy way may purchase food and beverages from participating restaurants that will offer their signature selections for sale at the event. Beer, soda and brats will also be available.
For more information and to register for the picnic visit eggharborwi.com or send an email to eggharborwihistory@gmail.com. Registration is not required but those who register in advance will be entered into drawings for a two-volume set of Egg Harbor family histories or a dinner for two at the Horseshoe Bay Golf Club. The family histories entitled A Patchwork of Family Histories and More Family Histories are the first publications of the Egg Harbor Historical Society.
Schedule of Events:
All day: Displays of historic photos, opportunities to record family histories
Hourly guided tours of the Barn Complex
10 am – noon: Country music by Egg Harbor’s Bittorf Brothers
10 am – noon: Farmers’ Market
Noon – 2 pm: Square Dancing demo
2 – 3 pm: Native American Ceremonial dance demonstration
3 – 5 pm: Bittorf Brothers
