If you’ve ever visited Gills Rock, you know that this quiet corner of Door County holds a special charm. But looking at this vintage postcard, we get to step back in time and see what this busy landing looked like decades ago.
This black-and-white postcard captures a moment at Gills Rock, Wisconsin, a historical hub for ferries and fishing boats. Judging by the cars and fashion, this photo was probably taken in the late 1930s or 1940s, a time when tourism and commercial fishing were thriving in the area.
At the center of the image is North Shore, a ferry, docked and waiting to transport passengers and vehicles to Washington Island. The sign on the left advertises a “Speed Boat Service”. Check out the Smoked Fish sign, too. Today, Charlie’s Smokehouse is just up the hill, still in Gills Rock.
On the right, a small wooden building houses the “Island Tourist Bureau,” alongside a sign for "Breakers, A Camp for Boys." Door County was known for more than cherries and boats, but also a host of summer camps. Although not shown in the photo, Camp Meenahga was a girls camp in Peninsula State Park around the same time this photo was taken.
This postcard is more than just a pretty piece of history—it’s a snapshot of daily life in early 20th-century Door County. It reminds us of how vital ferries were in connecting the mainland to the island, long before the conveniences of modern travel.
What are the best things to do on Washington Island? With so much to do, it’s hard to pick a favorite!