In the early days of European settlement, Door County pioneer children usually got to school by themselves… walking along foot trails and rutted roads, hopping from felled log to felled log or balancing on stone fences to avoid the standing water in wetland areas. Some traveled to school on horseback,or in deep snow, on skis. Only during the most brutal weather would a parent hitch up the wagon or sleigh to give the neighborhood schoolchildren a ride. Of course, in those days, the school terms were designed around planting and harvest , and many schools were not is session during the worst of the winter.

By the early days of the 20th Century, schools calendars were similar to those of today, but children still walked to rural and neighborhood schools. But as school consolidation occurred over time, it became necessary to establish school transportation.

Educator and retired Superintendent of the Sevastopol School District Carl Scholz will give a presentation on the development of school transportation in Door County and Sunday and folks will have a chance to climb onto an antique school bus which will be parked in front of the Vignes School. The talk will begin at 2:00 and we’d like to extend a special invitation to current and retired school bus drivers.

“Thursday, September 8
3:30 Family Program: General Store
Visit the Greene General Store and learn about the storekeeper and his family, and find out what’s for sale in 1900. Meet at the Greene General Store in the Historical Village at the Crossroads.

Sunday, September 11
1:30-3:30 Sunday at the Village: School Bus Day
Climb onto an antique school bus and visit the historical Village. At 2:00, Retired School Superintendent Carl Scholz will present a talk on the History of School Transportation in Door County. Free and Open to the public

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Tuesday, September 13
3:30 Family Program: Heritage Garden
Families will enjoy a visit to the Heritage Garden, enjoy the insect visitors and perhaps harvest a few carrots. Meet at the Garden Gate in the Historical Village at the Crossorads. Free and Open to the public.

The Peninsula Symphonic Band, under the direction of Paula Eggert, will perform on the Village Green between the Vigness School and Green General Store. This popular ensemble is known for a wide  musical repertoire. The concert will  feature favorites sure to  entertain all ages.  Visitors are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

Costumed members of the historical society will be happy to show visitors through the historical buildings, including the Vignes School, the Greene, General Store, the Chapel, and the Warren House. The historical society volunteers also will be selling  popcorn and beverages  to help raise funds for village upkeep.  

Special events will be offered each Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3:30 until mid-October. Admission to The Historical Village at The Crossroads is free, but donations are welcome.  The  Village is located  at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan, (just east of the Highway 42/57 - Michigan Street intersection) in Sturgeon Bay.

Start Time: 13:30
Date: 2011-06-26

Description: Barb Chisholm, costumed as a Belgium pioneer, will present a first person account of the fire that devastated much of southern Door County in The Great Fire of 1871. Program in the chapel is free.

Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
Date: 10-03-2010

As a part of the Global Work Party, volunteers are invited to help the members of the Sturgeon Bay Home and Garden Club in the final harvest at The Heritage Garden. Vegetables will be taken to local food pantries (Feed My People and Lakeshore CAP) and the garden will be cleaned out for the year. Drop in volunteers are welcome.

Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Date: 10-10-2010
End Time: 4:00 p.m.

Description: An oak tree will be planted near the Kohl Fishhouse in memory of Chuck Olson. Join Chuck’s family, friends and Crossroads Board and rededicate ourselves preserving Olson’s legacy

Start Time: 4:00 p.m.
Date: 10-10-2010

Description: The Sunday afternoon tours of The Historical Village will be offered for the last time this season. Visit the buildings and watch the blacksmiths work the forge. This is the last chance to find unique stocking stuffers for the holidays.

Start Time: 1:30 p.m.
Date: 10-17-2010
End Time: 3:30 p.m.