With the 150th anniversary of the Peshtigo Fire in 1871 approaching, you will be able to hear a Kewaunee County historian speak at an Author Talk to raise awareness about her book that details the impact of the fire in Kewaunee County. Virginia Johnson has felt the effects of the fire upon her life from her grandmother’s loss of her sister shortly after the fire. After hearing about the fire her whole life, she decided to write her newest book titled, “When the Night Rained Fire: October 8, 1871, Kewaunee County and the Great Fire” which details the aftermath of the fire in Kewaunee County. While speaking with Johnson, she described the positives from the fire that are also included in the book.

Her book is available for purchase at the Yardstick bookstore in Algoma, the Algoma Public Library, and the Belgian Historical Center. Part of the proceeds from the book will go to the Belgian Historical Center and the Algoma Library’s local history and genealogy endowment. You can hear Virginia speak about her book on October 8th at 1 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. 

(photos courtesy of Algoma Public Library and Peshtigo Fire Museum)