Door County Historical Society Discusses Palmer Johnson at Winter Luncheon

Presenter Mike Kelsey aboard a PJ yacht 123-3 in 2011. Submitted.

The Door County Historical Society will host a winter luncheon and presentations about the “History of Palmer Johnson” on March 18. The lunch and programs is a benefit for the society’s newly established endowment fund and will be at Stone Harbor Resort beginning at 11 am.

Presenter Mike Kelsey Jr. spent his entire life in the Palmer Johnson boatyard that was known around the world. He eventually became president and worked with the great men and women that made it happen. Kelsey will discuss boatbuilding and the boat builders of a small town in Wisconsin which became synonymous with the highest quality in the world, bringing clients from kings to brewers and cookie baking magnates.

Following lunch, society members and the brains and brawn behind the newly constructed tool museum, brothers Mike and Pat Madden will showcase the toolboxes of early boatbuilders, father and son Hans and Palmer Johnson. Palmer Johnson’s daughter Cleida Galligan donated their toolboxes to the Historical Society for the Tool Museum. Cleida will be an honored guest at the event.

Doors will open at 10:30 am and the first program will begin at 11 am, followed by the noon lunch, and then the final program immediately following lunch. Plan to arrive early for check-in as programs begin promptly. Stone Harbor Resort will serve a soup, salad, and sandwich buffet, desserts, and coffee or tea. The lunch and program fee for guests is $30; member fee is $25. To make a reservation, mail your check to the Door County Historical Society, PO Box 71, Sturgeon Bay 54235 by March 13. For further information, call 920.421.2332 or email [email protected].