Steve Grutzmacher to Speak about Hjalmar Holand at Historical Society Meeting

Hjalmar Holand at his homestead, which is now part of Peninsula State Park. Photo from the collection of Barb Olson.

To celebrate its 90th year, the Door County Historical Society will host a series of monthly Saturday lunch events during the first quarter. The season kicks off with a lunch meeting featuring “Hjalmar Holand – One of Door County’s Most Interesting Men” presented by Steve Grutzmacher. The meeting will be held at Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club on Jan. 23 at noon.

Hjalmar Holand. Photo courtesy of Ephraim Historical Foundation.

Holand founded the Door County Historical Society (DCHS) and was its first president, during the organization’s most prominent early accomplishments. If this was all he had done during his lifetime he would certainly be due considerable recognition. Holand’s accomplishments extend far beyond his work with the DCHS. He authored two histories of the Door Peninsula, including one which remains popular to this day. He met and/or worked with numerous famous people of his era. Of particular interest is his advocacy for the authenticity of the Kensington Stone. This program will provide an overview of the highlights of Holand’s remarkable life.

Steve Grutzmacher. Photo by Len Villano.

One of the first Door County books Steve Grutzmacher read when his parents opened Passtimes Books in 1978 in Ephraim was Holand’s Old Peninsula Days. “Through the years I have read several other works by Holand and picked up information on the man here and there,” Grutzmacher explained. “When the editors at Door County Living magazine decided they wanted a story about Holand, I eagerly volunteered.” His program is an outgrowth of that article.

Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club will serve a buffet-style luncheon of broasted chicken, beef tips, homemade stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, mini-salad bar, dinner rolls, birthday cake, and coffee; a cash bar will be available. The luncheon and program fee for guests is $22; member fee is $18. The public is welcome to attend the program for $5. For more information, call 920.421.2332 or email [email protected].