This Week at Door County’s Crossroads We Honor Labor and the Land

Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by in Nature

At Crossroads at Big Creek, we will celebrate both Labor Sunday and the Year of the Escarpment this week.

The first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 and by 1884 it had become a National Holiday. The 1880s were a tragically violent time in our nation’s history and the Labor Day holiday was probably created to appease the workers of America after several particularly ugly labor-related incidents. Officially it was a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

In 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day Monday was designated as Labor Sunday by the American Federation of Labor. Labor Sunday was dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. Both the Sunday and Monday celebrations gave politicians a chance to speak out for the wage-worker.

At the turn of the last century here in Door County, undoubtedly our U. S. Representative, Edward S. Minor, would certainly have been championing the working man, just as he had, earlier in his life, championed the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.

This Labor Sunday, Congressman Minor (as portrayed by Joe Knaapen) will be speaking out for the wage worker in The Historical Village at The Crossroads between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. And speaking of workers, our own blacksmiths will have the Blacksmith Shop open for demonstrations. They love to explain their labor and will happily sell you some of their finished metal products.

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will be focused on the sun and the moon during their September meeting the first Tuesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome. The meetings consist of a quiz, this month offered by Tom Minahan, and a short presentation on the viewing target of the month: the Sun. The lecture, “Lunar Missions” will be presented by Greg Cupal and David Udell. Refreshments are served. Please use the Utah Street Entrance to reach the Stonecipher Astronomy Center.

On Wednesday, September 8, at 7 pm we continue our year-long exploration of the Escarpment by hosting lecture “Exploring Underground Door County“.The Door County Environmental Council is sponsoring this program, which brings Dr. Ken Bradbury, Wisconsin’s leading water geologist to Crossroads. Dr. Bradbury is the a Program Leader at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Hydrology and is the “go to” guy when it comes to fractured aquifers. This program is free and open to the public

This is the final week for our 11:00 summer family programs. In fact, on Labor Day, we return to Fall Hours for the Collins Learning Center. The Center will be open 2-5 pm daily plus during scheduled events and by appointment. For more information call 920.746.5895.

Crossroads is a donor-supported learning preserve located at 2041 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay. Trails are free and open to the public. Pets, on leash and under control, are permitted.

Wednesday, September 1, 11:00
Family Program: Waterfest for Kids
Water is amazing and precious. This program is designed for kids 4-8 years old though families and adults with child-like curiosity all are welcome. Short hands on activities and free T-shirts to participants (sizes Youth-S and Youth-M only) Free.
Wear clothes that can get wet. Rain or shine.

Thursday, September 2, 11:00
Aquatic Critters
Join the naturalist in exploring Big Creek and in netting the small creatures which live in the shallow waters. Wear clothes that can get wet. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. This program will be canceled if it is raining.

Saturday, September 4, 11:00
Nature Hike: Flowers of the Fields
Join the naturalist on a visit to the fields and prairie plantings of the Crossroads preserve. Easy hiking. About an hour.This program will be canceled if it is raining.

Sunday, September 5, 1:30-3:30
Tours of the Historical Village at the Crossroads
Labor Sunday Events.
Visit The Historical Village and hear a message from Congressman Minor, as portrayed by Joe Knaapen. Blacksmith Demonstrations. Free, but bring some cash so you can buy some of the items created by our own smiths.

Monday, September 6, 11:00
Nature Hike to Big Creek
Big Creek is not so very big this time of year, but it is, in many ways, more beautiful surrounded by lush growth. About an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Tuesday, September 7, 7:00
Meeting of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society
Visitors are always welcome to DPAS meetings consisting of a quiz, this month offered by Tom Minahan, and a short presentation on the viewing target of the month, the Sun. The lecture, “Lunar Mission” will be presented by Greg Cupaland David Udell. Refreshments will be served. Please use the Utah Street Entrance to reach the Stonecipher Astronomy Center.

Wednesday, September 8, 7:00
Lecture: “Exploring Underground Door County”
The Door County Environmental Council brings Dr. Ken Bradbury to Crossroads. Dr. Bradbury is the a Program Leader at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Hydrology and is the “go to” guy which it comes to fracture aquifer. This program is free and open to the public.

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