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Gibraltar Celebrates Sesquicentennial

The Township of Gibraltar embraces a heritage that began with lumberjacks, farmers, and fishermen in the 1830s. Officially established in 1858, the township is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year with a host of activities, highlighting a legacy of hard-work, determination, perseverance, and fortitude that continues today. Heritage Day celebrates this history on Saturday, June 21 with activities for the entire family.

“The town has really come together in honor of our very special history,” said sesquicentennial chair Wayne Kudick. “These events will highlight our past achievements while celebrating who we are today, as well as our bright future.”

Heritage Day begins at 10 am at the Old Town Hall located across from Clark Park on the waterfront. In addition to homemade pies, a pictorial history will be on exhibit throughout the landmark building.

The Noble House, located at the main crossroads of the village, served as a post office for the Town of Gibraltar when the community was young and developing. Substituting for postmaster Mr. Alexander Noble, Fish Creek’s current postmaster Victoria Foxworthy will premiere a sesquicentennial stamp and postcards. She will also be available to postmark mail from 10 am – 2 pm.

Following lunch the day’s activities will move to the water’s edge when the newly renovated Fish Creek Dock House will be dedicated. The dockside ceremony will include a performance of a commemorative musical composition written by Joel Blahnik, retired Gibraltar High School band director.

The day’s activities will continue at 1 pm when the Gibraltar Historical Association unveils its new Education Center adjacent to the Alexander Noble House. The Education Center will host exhibits and serve as the greeting area for guided tours of Alexander Noble’s historical family home.

Artist Mary Blotti Anderson’s paintings depicting early farm scenes will be exhibited in the Education Center where guests can experience the history of the community. Free tours of the Noble House will be conducted throughout the day.

From 2 – 4 pm the community is invited to spread a blanket on the grounds of Noble Square as the Newtonberg Brass Band performs in period dress. The day’s events will conclude with a “summer solstice serenade” at Sunset Park located at the end of Main Street.

Nan & Jerry’s Bait and Tackle & Gift Shop, celebrating its 60th anniversary, serves as the official sesquicentennial memorabilia store. The oldest continually operating business in the community, owners Jerry and Susie Daubner have recently completed an extensive renovation and expansion.

The Door County Trolley will provide free transportation between The Settlement Shops and the Top of the Hill Shops from 11 – 4 pm. Horse-drawn wagons will recall days of old when the sound of hooves echoed throughout the village.

For additional information visit http://www.Gibraltar150.org or contact the Fish Creek Information Center at 920.868.2316. To volunteer in the year long Town of Gibraltar Sesquicentennial Celebration contact Wayne Kudick at 920.868.2262.