My Kind of County

by John Fraser Hart

Published 1 April 2009
The shores of Door County, Wisconsin, have long served as an idyllic retreat for Midwestern families. The region's scenic beauty is augmented by a rich history that reflects the classic American experience, and John Fraser Hart now pays homage to the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' in this engaging chronicle.A renowned scholar and a summer-home owner in Door County for over fifty years, Hart possesses intimate knowledge of the physical geography and cultural history of the region. With his incisive geographer's eye, he charts the gorgeously sprawling landscape - including the limestone bluffs along Green Bay that loom as high as two hundred feet - that draws more than two million visitors annually. He also explores Door County's agricultural heritage, including the famous cherry orchards, as well as the difference between the Green Bay and Lake Michigan sides of the peninsula, and the quiet interior region. The book then turns to the cultural aspects of the region, examining diverse topics such as the history of the first ethnic European settlers, the tourist economy, and the settlements' primarily Belgian architecture.Detailed maps and vibrant photographs complement Hart's engaging prose, making "My Kind of County" the perfect gift for day trippers, summer residents, and geographers alike.