Fish Creek Honors Peninsula State Park’s Centennial throughout Heritage Days 2009

In honor of Peninsula State Park’s Centennial, the <a href="http://http://www.historicnoblehouse.org” target=”_blank”>Gibraltar Historical Association is dedicating Heritage Days 2009 to Door County’s “emerald treasure.”

Since its establishment 100 years ago, Peninsula State Park has earned a reputation for its boundless recreational opportunities and incredible natural beauty. Positioned in close proximity to Fish Creek, the two have maintained a relationship that reflects a remarkable past.

In 1858, the Township of Gibraltar – consisting of the villages of Fish Creek, Juddville and Maple Grove – was established. Farmers, lumbermen, and fishermen settled their families on the surrounding fields, scrapping out homestead borders rocks they cleared.

Some of the early pioneers settled on acreage that would be designated as park property. These families had expected to live on their land for generations to come. Although official records vary, approximately 70 parcels of land owned by 40 families were transferred, sold or were otherwise acquired by the state for the new park.

As the community grew, so did the business community. Fish Creek’s Main Street boasted three general stores, a school, library, and post office. A greenhouse and nursery, a tavern, grocery store, gift shop, and gas station were all located on land that would years later be state park property.

“The histories of Peninsula State Park and Fish Creek are so closely connected; the two literally grew up together and have been intertwined in many unique ways. It is important that we celebrate our unified history as a community,” said Eunice Rutherford, president of the Gibraltar Historical Association board.

Continuing the celebration the community began with the Town of Gibraltar’s Sesquicentennial in 2008, Heritage Days 2009 will host activities for the entire family Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 15. Activities are planned throughout the village, and all events will be free with the exception of the Hootenanny Concert. This family-friendly concert is planned for Saturday, June 13 at 7 pm at the Gibraltar Town Hall and will feature the folk music of the 5 Milers. Tickets for the concert are $10/person and can be obtained at the Fish Creek Information Center, the Historic Noble House, or by calling 920.868.3373.

For additional information and a complete list of events, visit http://www.Gibraltar150.org, http://www.FishCreek150.org, or http://www.historicnoblehouse.org.