Descendants of the Duclon Family visit Eagle Bluff Light Station

The Eagle Bluff Light Station holds many stories, but few are as deeply woven into its history as those of the Duclon family. Over the past several weeks, the lighthouse has been honored to welcome multiple generations of Duclon descendants—each visit a reminder of the family’s lasting legacy here.

Earlier this month, Judy Berg, granddaughter of Walter Duclon, visited with her daughter, Brenda Bender (photo below). Walter, the youngest of William and Julia’s seven sons, played an instrumental role when the Door County Historical Society restored the lighthouse in the 1960s. His insight and guidance helped ensure the restoration was as authentic as possible. Judy and Brenda were moved by the work that continues today and shared that Walter would have appreciated the care taken to preserve his family’s home.

More recently, another branch of the family made a special visit. Laurie Baum arranged a tour with Michele Duclon Tiscareno (below, second from the right) and her sister-in-law, Susan Duclon, widow of David Duclon who passed away earlier this year (to the left of Michele). They were joined by Susan’s nephew, his wife, and their daughter, Trinity. The family gathered in Door County for David’s funeral and reunion weekend; he is now buried at Blossomburg Cemetery, where more than 30 members of the Duclon family rest.

Michele and David are the great-great-grandchildren of William and Julia through their son Ambrose, then Cecil, then Warren, their father. Michele, who flew in from Nashville with Susan, continues to stay connected to the family’s history, while her son Matt serves as the family genealogist from his home in California.

During their visit, volunteers and staff guided the family through the lighthouse and grounds. The group learned about the barn and summer kitchen reconstruction, heard stories of the Duclon relics such as Walter’s water yoke, and admired photographs and furniture donated by the family years ago. They especially enjoyed the music room and the tale of the Chickering piano—its missing octave, its journey through the lighthouse window wrapped in Julia’s quilts, and the lively nights when the Duclon String Band played for community gatherings.

The visit lasted more than two hours and was filled with stories, gratitude, and reflection. As one of the descendants noted, the lighthouse is more than just a historic site—it is a family home filled with memories that continue to connect generations.

At Eagle Bluff Light Station, we are reminded time and again that history is not static. It lives on through families like the Duclons, whose stories and stewardship keep the past alive for all who visit.