Island Bookshelf

Bridges Are Still News

Bridges Are Still News

Island Essays Poems and Photos

Washington Island 1836-1876

Washington Island 1836-1876

“The early 19th century brought huge change to the region that became Wisconsin.”

Rock Island

Rock Island

“Around 1900, Thordarson and his wife began visiting the Island’s Icelandic colony…”


Let’s Talk About Washington Island

Let’s Talk About Washington Island

“In 1837, there was built on Rock Island the first lighthouse in Wisconsin.”

Keepers of the Lights

Keepers of the Lights

“Virtually all visitors to Rock Island land at the dock by Thordarson’s great hall.”

Islanders Speak: Profiles

Islanders Speak: Profiles

“For 25 years, Tom Wilson has traveled by ferry to fix Islanders’ teeth.”


Island Tales

Island Tales

History and Anecdotes of Washington Island by the first white child to be Island-born.

Island Schools – Then & Now

Island Schools – Then & Now

“School was a magic place. In fact, I ran away to school before I was supposed to.”

Geology of Washington Island

Geology of Washington Island

“A spectacular feature of eastern Wisconsin is the Niagara Escarpment.”


Death’s Door Legend

Death’s Door Legend

“The Death’s Door name derives from an ancient Indian legend.”

Door County Almanak – No. 5

Door County Almanak – No. 5

An early history of the hospitality business on Washington Island.

Through Waves and Gales Come Fishermen’s Tales

Through Waves and Gales Come Fishermen’s Tales

A journey into the lives of the men who work a fishery.


Wooden Boats & Iron Men

Wooden Boats & Iron Men

When fisheries were an integral part of the Washington Island community.

Doc – Memories of Edw. Farmer

Doc – Memories of Edw. Farmer

“My father delivered 100s of babies,” daughter Jane reminisces.

Words on Water

Words on Water

Through the eyes, heart, words of a man who has worked in this unique setting 30+ years.