A Patchwork of Needles and Leaves: An Introduction to the Music of the Upper Midwest Shanty Boy

Fish Creek, Wis. (August 29, 2025) – On September 8 at 7:00pm we will explore the origins of the phrase “I’m a Lumberjack and I’m OK.” It’s a saying that many people recognize, but have you ever wondered about its origins? Join us for “A Patchwork of Needles and Leaves: An Introduction to the Music of the Upper Midwest Shanty Boy.” This one-hour lecture will delve into the daily life of a shanty boy, provide a brief history of the profession, examine the role of music in lumber camps, and feature a selection of songs that shanty boys sang in the Upper Midwest.

Matthew Christoff, who is traveling to Fish Creek from St. Paul, was recently featured on the Wisconsin Today show on Wisconsin Public Radio. He is a classically trained baritone vocalist from Dyckesville, WI, with a Bachelor of Music from Saint Norbert College and a Master of Music from the University of Florida. His performance history is extensive, and we are grateful for this rare opportunity to have him perform in Door County.

We invite you to attend this free event, hosted by the Gibraltar Historical Association, which aims to provide educational and entertaining connections to our past. It is fitting to bring this special event to Fish Creek, as Alexander Noble was known to spend his winters in lumber camps up north.

Our 150th celebration of the Alexander Noble House Museum is ongoing and will continue until mid-October. This significant milestone in our history is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. This special tour, which is available only in 2025, has welcomed visitors from across the United States and allows us to share the rich history of the Noble family and past celebrations. We encourage you to visit this exhibit before it concludes in mid-October.

Additionally, our Concerts at Noble Square season has come to an end. This series featured special performances with Colin & Friends, Doc Heide & Friends, Birch Creek Ambassadors, Cherry & Jerry, the Door County Jazz Festival, Cherry Tones, and Spike & April. Each group contributed to unique celebrations in our Square, creating memorable afternoons for friends and families.