5962. Go to Rogers Street Fishing Village in Two Rivers

 The other museum I really wanted to check out in Two Rivers was Rogers Street Fishing Village. I found this when the hubby had a softball tournament in Two Rivers a few years back and it looked really interesting. I just didn't want to explore by myself.

Rogers Street Fishing Village is open seasonally 10-4 Weekdays and 12-4 weekends but are closed on Tuesdays. Cost is $4/adult and $2/children to visit. There is street parking and a small parking lot. You can opt for a free audio tour that will tell you everything in the village. There is also a binder you can read to tell you the history of everything. We opted for the audio tour. 

You start out in the visitor center and learn a little history of the fishing in the area as well as the history of the Christmas Tree Ship. Both you will learn more about throughout the tour. The guide here was very informative.

Armed with our audio tour gadgets, we headed out to the first stop which was a model of the fishing vessels they used. Here we learned about the fisherman that called Two Rivers home, the boats their used, and how they got started fishing. It was quite fascinating. Growing up in Port I never thought about other fishing communities along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Our next stop was the fish shed where we learned the history of harvesting and preserving the fish along with the types of nets they used. I never really thought how they caught their fish. I just assumed it was with a pole or something. Nets make a whole lot more sense.

We then saw the engine building that allowed them to go further out into the lake and catch more fish. 

There was a building that was set up as how the fisherman would have lived back in the 1800s.

Finally we climbed to the lighthouse. It is not in service anymore but we could still go in the main floor. You couldn't go up to the light itself.

A short walk across the street to us to the final stop on the tour. A museum dedicated to the history of the Coast Guard, Native Cultures, and the Christmas Tree Ship. It was all very fascinating but by this time I was getting hangry and needed food. I didn't explore as much as I would have liked.

I did end up buying the lighthouse passport and got my first stamp. Just what I need another passport to collect stamps in. I definitely need to get back to Door County to collect many stamps from up there.  

If you never have been to the Rogers Street Fishing Village, it s definitely worth the stop. It is a perfect stop on the way to Door County along 43. There is so much history and the museum does a really good job explaining it. Opt for audio tour. It definitely helps to enjoy the museum.  I am so glad Two Rivers keeps their history alive through the Roger Street Fishing Village.  

5408. Visit the Benjamin Church House in Milwaukee

 When planning Doors Open, Stacy said she added a few things to the list one of them being the Benjamin Church House. I looked into it and decided that even if we didn't get to it, I needed to add it to the bucket list.

The Benjamin Church House also known as the Kilbourntown House was built in 1844 in Kilbourntown -- one of the three townships to become Milwaukee. The House is open Sundays June-September 10-2. The house has been relocated from Kilbourntown to Estabrook Park just off of Capitol Drive. There is a small parking lot by the house. There was Germanfest going on at the same time so parking was at a premium.

The house is Greek Revival Style home. You enter into the living room. The dining room and kitchen are directly behind it. The bedrooms are on either side. Benjamin Church, his wife, and 6 children lived in the small house. Prior to going into the house, we learned the history of the house.

The furnishings are not original but period accurate from the 19th century. There are also maps of the what Milwaukee looked like back before it became Milwaukee.

This is definitely a charming little house that you should check out sometime. This is what I like about Doors Open, you find random buildings that you would normally not know about. 

4988. Go to the Octagon House in Neenah

 I always wanted to check out the Octogen House in Neenah. I find Octogen Houses fascinating especially after visiting the Milton House. With Neenah's 150 Anniversary this year, the Neenah Historical Society, which is housed in the Octagon House, was hosting Family Days at the Octagon House the second Sunday of June, July, and August. Since it worked out in our schedule, the hubby and I decided to check out the Octagon House during Family Days.

The Hiram Smith Octagon House is the home to the Neenah Historical Society. It is located just off of downtown Neenah on Smith St. It is normally open Monday-Friday 10-2 with special hours and days during events and exhibits. 

The Historical Society features artifacts and stories from Neenah and surprisingly Menasha as well. With the 150 Anniversary, the history of various businesses and historical events was showcased. Only the first floor has exhibits. They have a lot of more in storage than what they can display.

Some of the more fascinating pieces included a display on Menasha Woodenwares, The Bergstorm Stoves, and Amelia Earhart's visit. 

The hubby was found the sports display of not only Neenah High School but Menasha High School and St. Mary's Catholic High School as well.

If you were a native or local, you could cast your "vote" in the election to determine if Neenah-Menasha would become one or stay separate cities. Like the real election, the Nos won.

In an adjacent building they had old household items on display for the kids to see and play with. It was fascinating to see things I remember having at home or playing with. 

I am glad I finally got to check out the Octagon House in Neenah. Hopefully they will have more events like this, and continue with the library programs. Local history is always so fascinating and worth learning about.

5425. Visit the W. Ben Hunt Cabin in Hales Corners

 I didn't know that Hales Corners had a museum. It is such a small urban community. When Stacy said that we could check out the Ben Hunt Cabin, I was all for it. I like random museums and cabins. 

The W. Ben Hunt cabin is located behind the Hales Corners Library. It is only open the first Saturday of the month May-November (1-3 PM) as well as July 4th (12-3 PM) and the first Saturday in December for tree lighting (5:30-7 PM). Admission is free but do accept donations.

Ben Hunt wanted to build a log cabin based on his childhood memories. He built it for fun. Basically he wanted to see if he could do it. The cabin was never lived in but used as a gathering place for family and friends. Ben built the cabin in 1924 using no written instructions or hand tools.

The cabin is not large by any means (16x28). The main room features a wooden dug out canoe and various tools that were collected over the years along with a stone fireplace complete with a buffalo head.

The smaller rooms feature tools and Native American artifacts. 

Since the cabin is not large, it does not take much time to go through it if you just look. However, if you take the time to peruse the history of Hales Corners and the surrounding communities, it may take you awhile. There are a lot of interesting artifacts including a whole case of moccasins. 

The W. Ben Hunt Cabin may not be large and you could possibly over look it when driving through town, but it is definitely worth checking out. The volunteers love visitors and love chatting with them.