From Tree to Table: A Sweet Slice of Door County History

There’s something timeless about maple syrup in Door County—the slow drip of sap, the steam rising from the sugar shack, the unmistakable taste of spring. On Monday, April 27, you’re invited to step into that tradition and experience it firsthand at a special evening hosted by the Door County Historical Society.

We’ll gather at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay for dinner and a presentation by local historian and lifelong community member Steve Jorns, who will share “The History of Maple Syrup Production in Door County.”

This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a story rooted in people, place, and tradition.

Steve will take us back to the very beginnings of maple syrup production, exploring how Native Americans first discovered and refined the process. From there, he’ll guide us through generations of change, sharing how techniques evolved over time—and even offering a glimpse into what the future of maple syrup production might look like.

But what makes this evening especially meaningful is Steve’s personal connection to the story.

His family settled in Egg Harbor in the 1870s after immigrating from Hamburg, Germany. He grew up on his grandparents’ dairy farm, where making maple syrup wasn’t a novelty—it was part of everyday life. Over the years, Steve has worn many hats: shipyard worker at Bay Shipbuilding and Peterson Builders, founder of Dixie’s Homestyle Preserves, and a dedicated community volunteer. From coaching Little League to serving on local boards—including both the Egg Harbor Historical Society and DCHS—his impact on Door County runs deep. Even in retirement, he’s as active as ever.

And of course, no great story should be told on an empty stomach.

The evening begins with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a classic Swedish meal featuring meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, a bean medley, salad with lingonberry vinaigrette, and a sweet finish of ice cream. The program will follow dinner.

Reservations are required by April 20, and space fills quickly—so don’t wait. The cost is $40 per person, or $35 for DCHS members, and reservations can be made in person, by mail, online, or through the DCHS office.

This program is part of our “Highlights of Our History” series, a special offering during our 100th Anniversary year. Each month, we’re exploring a different decade of the Door County Historical Society’s story—how we’ve grown, what we’ve preserved, and the people who have made it all possible since October 1, 1926.

If you love local history, good food, and great stories, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Come celebrate the Jorns family, the tradition of maple syrup, and the rich history that continues to shape Door County today.