The Life and Times of Ed Minor

On July 10, Gibraltar Talks will feature “the man who went to Washington” in “The Life and Times of Ed Minor.” Come learn how the Civil War influenced Minor’s subsequent life in Door County.

Presenter Joe Knaapen is a Sturgeon Bay native whose family owned and operated a bakery there for 70 years. He retired after 30 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, most of that at the Door County Advocate. As an avid reader, he was always interested in the U.S. Civil War and learned more about it compiling the “Traveling Back” section of the Advocate for more than 20 years.

After becoming involved in Civil War reenactments, Knaapen learned of Ed Minor. As a reenactor, he wanted to include an impression of a Door County veteran, and he stumbled upon Minor. He quickly learned that his military service provided him with a reputation for honesty and integrity that led him to success in business and politics. Minor remains the only Door County man ever elected to Congress. His contributions helped create political and social standards for the Door Peninsula that survived until demographic changes in about 2000.

The program will be held at 7 pm at the Fish Creek Old Town Hall, located at 4176 Maple Street in Fish Creek.

Gibraltar Talks programs are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated to help with future Gibraltar Historical Association programming and other history related events and goals. Audience participation is encouraged and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 920.868.2091 or visit historicnoblehouse.org.