Long before Crossroads at Big Creek became an environmental preserve—or even the “school forest”—this land was an apple orchard. The tradition of growing fruit here dates back more than a century. According to the descendants of Hans and Bertha Hanson, after Hans died, his son foresaw the rise of orchards in Door County. Acting on that vision, Hans Jr. sold their property, and the family moved to Daggett, Michigan.
That foresight proved accurate. The land was sold to Moulton Goff in 1919 and became part of the Guern-Weal Farm Corporation—an enterprise that included what is now the Big Creek Preserve and land stretching from the current YMCA to the Fairgrounds. Though cherries, Christmas trees, rye, and alfalfa were also cultivated, the name “Guern-Weal” reveals the farm’s primary focus: Guernsey cows and Wealthy apples.
In those early years, most of the orchard work was done with hand tools, and those Wealthy apples were processed without electricity.
So how did those hand tools of the apple harvest work? The answer takes us back to grade school science: simple machines. These six basic devices change the direction or force of effort, making it easier to do work.
For our weekly Science Saturday program on Saturday, September 20, from 2:00 to 4:00, Crossroads is teaming up with the interpreters from the Madden Tool Museum to present The Simple Machines of Apple Harvest. Visitors can enjoy hands-on demonstrations and activities at the Madden Tool Museum across the trail from the Collins Learning Center.
Simple machines made harvest work easier, from peeling apples and making applesauce to driving nails. The Madden Tool Museum houses an extensive collection of antique apple peelers—each different and an ingenious combination of simple machines.
The crank is an example of a wheel and axle, with rotating gears attached to the spindle that holds the apple, transferring motion and speed. Many peelers use a threaded screw shaft to move the apple steadily toward the blade. The blade arm acts as a lever, and the blade itself is a wedge—just like any knife or axe blade.
Visitors of all ages can use some of these tools during the program.
Other family programs this week include Environmental Explorations, an afterschool program featuring a field study of the surprising life hidden in fallen logs, and Junior Nature Club, our Wednesday program for children ages 3–5 with an adult companion, during which participants will explore shapes in nature.
As always, our trails are open every day, free of charge, and all programs this week are offered at no cost thanks to the generosity of our donors. So, whether you are interested in local history, science education, or just looking for a wonderful outdoor experience, join us at Crossroads this week
Saturday, September 20
2:00–4:00 Saturday Science: Simple Machines of Apple Harvest
Meet at the Madden Tool Museum for a hands-on exploration of the “simple machines”—the hand tools used in processing apples. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Tool Museum across the Trail from the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.
Monday, September 22
1:30 Pre-recorded Lecture: Bats of Wisconsin
In this video presentation, Jennifer Redell, DNR bat biologist, will teach about the mysteries of bats. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, Sturgeon Bay.
Tuesday, September 23
3:30 Environmental Exploration: Fallen Logs
This activity, geared for elementary-aged students but open to all ages, will explore the many creatures that make decaying logs their homes. Dress for the outdoors. It is free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Crossroads.
Wednesday, September 24 10:00 Junior Nature Club
This weekly program is for children ages 3-5 and their adult companions. Siblings are welcome. This week, the outdoor activity will be a search for shapes in nature. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.
1:30 Wandering Wednesday
Join this naturalist-led hike through areas that were once an apple orchard but are now in various stages of restoration. About an hour. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay
