Featured Photo Gallery
Our Belgian Forefathers
Eli Pierre Chaudoir
Eli Chaudoir was born on July 4, 1872 in Tourinne La Grosse, Brabant Walloon, Belgium to Justin and Anathalie (VanCaster) Chaudoir. Eli was only a year old when he immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1873. The family settled in the town of Union. On May 30, 1898, Eli married Emma Evrard. Together, they had seven children. Eli was a farmer and entrepreneur. He and his brother Jule built a dock on waters of Green Bay in the town of Union. At the time, it was a working port for ships hauling lumber, crops and passengers to Green Bay, Oconto and Marinette. Known today as Chaudoir's Dock, it is now owned by Door County and serves as a public park and boat launch. Eli's family was involved in operating the Evrard farm and tavern in Namur and he owned a general store and mill in Brussels with his brothers. He played the baritone as a member of the Union Band. Eli died tragically in 1936 at age 63 in a car accident near his home. He is buried at St. Mary of the Snows Cemetery in Namur. Family Portrait 1907: from left, Francis, Eli holding Palmy, Harry, Emma holding Mary, and John. Daughters Lema and Grace were born later. Information courtesy: Sandy (Lampereur) Orsted, Eli's great-granddaughter. Photo courtesy: Joyce Lampereur
The Belgian Club Founding Officers
The Peninsula Belgian-American Club was initially formed in 1964 and reorganized in 1968. Officers for the newly formed club were Harry Chaudoir, President; Austin Allard, Vice President; Laurence Chaudoir, Secretary; and Leonard Lampereur, Treasurer. The club began their first year with 12 to 20 members with the purpose of honoring their forefathers, to salute their efforts and recreate that era in history when good fellowship was prime, to promote social and charitable functions, and to communicate and assist all incorporated Belgian Clubs that included Canada and Belgium. In 1969, George Baudhuin donated $4,000 to the Peninsula Belgian American Club to pay the cost of moving the old St Mary of the Snows schoolhouse a short distance to its present location and to cover a few basic repairs. In 1972, the Belgian Club began exchange trips between Belgium and Wisconsin, working with Lucien Leonard and the Wisconsin-Wallonie Society. In alternating years, as many as 200 people from one side of the Atlantic visited their cousins on the other. Exchange trips continue to this day, though not as frequently. The relationships and common interest between Belgium and Wisconsin continues to flourish because of the foresight of this organization. The "Belgian Club" remains active more than 60 years after its initial founding. The club and its members played an important role as the forerunner to the Belgian Heritage Center by maintaining the former St. Mary of the Snows parochial school/convent and preserving Belgian culture for decades. Several of the founding members of the Belgian Club and/or their children were involved in the efforts to organize the Belgian Heritage Center and purchase the St. Mary of the Snows church. Pictured: Harry Chaudoir, Irene Counard, Francoise Lempereur of Namur, Belgium, and Leonard Lampereur with PBAC members. Francoise helped plan a 1974 trip. nformation courtesy of PBAC website; photo courtesy Algoma Record-Herald
August Herlache
August Herlache was born August 23, 1875 in Gardner Township, Door County, Wisconsin to Jean Baptiste Herlache (1847-1908) and Adele Jenquinne (1846-1941). His father came to America from Belgium, and took up the occupation of farming, after clearing his land, and this work ethic was passed to his children, including August. He married Elizabeth (Elisa) DeBroux (1874-1951) on July 8, 1899 in Gardner. Together, they had five children: Jule, George, Lena, Grace, and John. The Herlache family were devoted to the Spiritualist faith. August passed away on August 18, 1960 at the age of 84 while staying with one of his children at the Alamo Club in Stiles, Oconto County, Wisconsin and is interred at Bayside Cemetery in Door County. Courtesy: Kristin Alberts, great-great granddaughter of August Herlache.
Gregoire Joseph Dupont
Gregoire Joseph Dupont was born 15 December 1842 in Pietrebais, Brabant Walloon, Belgium to Charles Joseph Dupont and Melanie Josephe Rubens, the second of seven children. At a young age of 12 his father passed away. His mother remarried and immigrated the entire family aboard the Lochinvar, departing from Antwerp and landing in New York in 1855. The family would settle on a farm in the Robinsonville/Champion area in the Town of Green Bay, Brown County. Almost immediately, Gregoire would leave his new home to find work and help support the family. The 1860 census would find him back on the farm and on 30 July 1862, Gregoire married Julie Henrion in Bay Settlement and the couple would be blessed with a family of nine children, five girls and four boys. Just before the birth of their second child, however, Gregoire would be drafted to serve in the Civil War. The 1870 Census would find Gregoire and Julie raising their family in the Town of Bellevue where Gregoire would learn the sawmill business as a shingle mill laborer. By the 1875 Census, Gregoire had acquired a homestead back in the Robinsonville/Champion area where he took up farming. Ever the entrepreneur, Gregoire would also run a general store, sawmill, threshing machines/crews, feed mill, cheese factory and even serve as a professional photographer. His most important contributions, however, were as a public servant. On the local level, as a respected member of the community he was elected as Town Chairman in the Town of Green Bay for over 28 years, in addition to stints as Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace and Mount May School Clerk. As the town chairman, Gregoire would also serve as a Brown County Supervisor. Over the course of his service, he would be appointed to serve on most of the committees for the County (e.g. Finance, Accounts, Printing, Workhouse, Equalization, Roads & Bridges, Building). He served as a delegate to the Wisconsin State Republican Convention several times and in 1887-1888 served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Gregoire lost his wife, Julie, in 1906 and he went on to live another 11 years in Champion. He himself became ill and passed on 1 July, 1917 at the age of 74 and his life was celebrated at the Robinsonville Presbyterian Church with one of the largest funerals held at that church. Veterans of the Civil War served as his pall bearers. Courtesy: Donna Bultman. Picture from The Second Battle, A Story of our Belgian Ancestors in the American Civil War 1861-1865 by John Henry Mertens, 1986 (picture credited to Wilbert E. Dupont).
Eugene Honore Delwiche grave
Eugene Delwiche was born on December 7, 1827 in Grez, Brabant Walloon, Belgium to Francois and Marie Anne Catherine (Daix) Delwiche. In 1854, he immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York aboard the Omar Pasha and settling in the town of Lincoln. He married Adele Regnier (born in Ottignies, Belgium) on April 4, 1858 and they raised a family of 10 children. Eugene served in the Civil War with Company C, Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted on October 2,1864. The following information is from freepages.rootsweb.com citing sources J.H. Mertens "The Second Battle" and Alvin Mathy (Eugene's grandson): "During the Battle of Gravelly Run, which took place a few miles Southwest of Petersburg, Virginia, the Sixth Wisconsin forged ahead toward the White Oak Road, a heavily fortified position. The Confederates counterattacked and drove back the sixth to Gravelly Run. During this fallback, Francois Francee was shot in the elbow. Eugene Delwiche and Guillaume Delsipee stopped to help their wounded comrade, whereupon all three were captured. Alixis Franc, Antoine Deprince, and Charles Vandresse managed to cross the run and were not captured. The Sixth Wisconsin had five killed, 34 wounded and 32 taken prisoner during the Battle of Gravelly Run. Fortunately this took place on March 31, 1865 and the next day, at the Battle of Five Forks, the Confederates were soundly defeated and a few days later Lee surrendered at nearby Appomattox. Eugene was paroled by the Confederates just three days after capture. He was paroled at Varina, Virginia which happened to be the previous home of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. He was sent to Benson Barracks near St. Louis where he was issued a 30 day furlough and $10.50 travel money. The Delwiche's were burned out in the Peshtigo Fire but rebuilt. Eugene served as road commissioner and on the school board. He was injured by a falling tree and was outlived by his wife Adele. Eugene farmed with Adele and their family in the town of Lincoln. He died on July 16, 1892 at age 64 and is buried at St. Hubert Cemetery in Rosiere." Courtesy: Sandy (Lampereur) Orsted, Eugene's 2nd great-granddaughter
Harold Vandertie
Harold Julien Vandertie was born the son of the late William and Mary (Jauquet) Vandertie on January 22, 1922 in Brussels Township, Wisconsin. On Oct. 14, 1942 he married the former LaVerne Wery at St. Francis Church in Duval, WI. Harold served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945 during World War II in the European Theater. Though he seldom talked about his service, he was incredibly proud of his time in the Army and kept many souvenirs from his time overseas. During his years in the military, he served as a Jeep driver for a General while in Europe. He was at D-Day +2 and seldom shared with his family the horrors he witnessed there and later coming into concentration camps after liberating Nazi-held European cities. Near the end of his tour, he spent time guarding some prominent Nazi leaders who were taken prisoner before they were delivered for the Nuremberg trials. Upon his return to the states, Harold was employed at Fort Howard Paper Company for 35 years, as a forklift operator before retiring in 1984. Harold and his wife LaVerne were devout Catholics, regularly attending masses. They had one daughter, Diane, who was tragically killed in a car accident as a young woman. Even after facing this loss as well as the horrors he saw in the war, Harold maintained a snappy sense of humor and zest for life. He liked to play pranks, join in card games, and have a few drinks. He will always be remembered for his kindness and quick smile. Though Harold and LaVerne lived most of their lives in Green Bay, they visited their family in the Brussels area very often for card games and Belgian heritage traditions. Sadly, Harold passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2000 at the age of 78 while living at their retirement home on a lake up north in Wausaukee, WI. Courtesy: Kristin Alberts, great-niece of Harold.
Wilmer Tassoul
Wilmer Tassoul was born February 5, 1919 in Gardner Township, WI to Eli and Edah (Simon) Tassoul. Eli immigrated from the old country, coming from the area of Enines, Belgium. Wilmer was a kind and gentle man who, like his father, spent his life a farmer. He took great pride in his farm. At a time when most locals were raising milk and beef cows, Wilmer raised hogs, though he did milk cows in the earlier years. Wilmer’s farm, which was the home farm of Eli & Edah Tassoul, was located on Lovers Lane in the town of Gardner. Being a bachelor, he remained on the home place and helped run the farm, especially important after Eli lost his leg. Wilmer cared for his parents and continued his dedication to the land. Though he never had any children, Wilmer welcomed several of his nephews to live with him and help on the farm. Bruce Alberts stayed with Wilmer for seven years, learning to drive tractor and run a farming operation from a young age. He recalls that they were often so busy working, they'd have a sink full of dirty dishes in the hopes one of the ladies would come to help them in the kitchen. In later years, Wilmer was known for making batches of delicious homemade ice cream in the old crank machine. He lived for a good part of his life with only one eye, having lost the other one due to an infected tooth. Though that's how he was always recognized, that issue never slowed him down. He remained a hard worker all his life. In addition to running his farm, he was the Clerk for the Town of Gardner for many years, known for his meticulous book keeping skills. He was very proud of his town. Though Wilmer remained a bachelor for the better part of his life, he reconnected with Sebel Splingaire Rankin--a school mate decades before-- in the early 1970's and on October 19, 1974, they were wed. They enjoyed their later years together, always welcoming family for a meal, card games, and Chinese Checkers. Wilmer passed away on October 9, 1993 at home in Gardner. Courtesy Bruce, Pam & Kristin Alberts; Wilmer is their uncle
Harris Vandertie
Harris Vandertie was born Mary 26, 1912 to William Sr and Mary Jauquet in Brussels Township, Wisconsin. His siblings included: Rose, Louisa, William Jr (Fidel), Gabe, Alfred (Fert), Harvey (Pork), Mathilda, and Harold. Harris' grandparents came from the area of Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium. He married Laura Mary Renier on September 5, 1933 at St. Michael's Church in Misiere, WI. He held a State of Wisconsin Chauffeur's License in the 1950's, but his man business was a self-made, hard-working man. In addition to working the farm, he started and ran V&R Plumbing and Heating, short for Vandertie & Renier. He acquired his Master Plumber's License, which was quite an accomplishment at the time and worked on many area homes and businesses. Though they did not have any children of their own, Harris and Laura (pictured at right) were active in helping raise Larry, their nephew, who came to live with them as a young boy of six. Harris and Laura built the home and farm on Misiere Road, just down the road from the Renier home farm. In those days, it was common for extended families to live together, and they shared their home with Laura's mother Sarah, as well as Larry's entire family. In addition, they played a major role in raising Larry's three daughters, Pam, Kim, and Lisa. Harris was affectionately known by all the kids in the family as "Poddie", coming from the French or Walloon "Parrain" meaning Godfather. Along with his brothers, Harris had a gift for musical talents. He was always yodeling, and was very good at it, entertaining family and friends alike. He will always be remembered as a kind and very intelligent man, quick to joke and smile. Harris passed away on February 3, 1978 at his home in Misiere. He is interred at the St. Hubert Cemetery in Rosiere, WI. Courtesy: Pam (Renier) Alberts
Gouldie Engebose
Gouldie Jerry Engebose was born December 13, 1913 in Brussels, Wisconsin to George Joseph Engebose and Lucy (Vandertie) Engebose. On June 20, 1933 he married Rita Gertrude Tassoul in Brussels. Together, they had a loving family of six children: Eurena Mae, Germaine, Agnes Jean, George John, Merle Nicholas, and Gary Darius, though Germaine passed away as a young girl. She was a victim of Scarlet Fever which devastated the family, and much of the area in 1939-40. Though we're unsure how it came about, Gouldie--yes, that was his given name--had the nickname of Jazzbo during his school years. This is shown in his 1931 Embers yearbook from Brussels High School. It notes he was active in Dramatics, Baseball, and was Class Secretary as a senior. The quotation he chose was "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers." Gouldie and Rita owned the farm at the top of the Brussels hill on Highway 57. He was an active farmer most of a life, as well as working as a foreman at Algoma Plywood and handled paperwork for the shipping department. In his earlier years, he worked at the shipyard, and during the WWII era, suffered an injury at the shipyard where his leg was crushed. It was repaired with steel plates, which caused a lifelong limp. He was a hard-working man, quick to smile, and filled with kindness. His family remembers how, whenever he was focusing on a job or task at hand, he always had the tip of his tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth. Gouldie and Rita were proud, lifelong charter members of the Peninsula Belgian American Club. They made numerous trips to the old country, touring Belgium and also hosting many Belgian visitors in their home. Gouldie passed away on October 22, 1985 in Green Bay. Courtesy: Bruce, Pam, and Kristin Alberts & Gary Engebose
Harry Chaudoir Jr.
Harry Chaudoir, Jr. was born on February 25, 1927 to Harry and Hazel (Englebert) Chaudoir. He married Helen Delorit in 1947. Harry served with the 78th Infantry Division in the Allied occupation of Berlin at the end of World War II from 1945-1947. Harry was one of the founding officers of the Peninsula Belgian-American Club, serving as president from 1968-2003. He died on June 25, 2016 and is buried at St. Hubert Cemetery in Rosiere. From the Door County Advocate, June 16, 1977: King Baudouin last week conferred knighthood on Harry J. Chaudoir, jr., 50, Rosiere. Chaudoir received his citation as “Chevalier de l Ordre de Leopold II” from the Belgian consul in Chicago. The award is among the three highest and is named in honor of King Leopold II, who ruled from 1865-1908. Along with a silver medal he received a citation which read “in recognition of the many unselfish services you have rendered to the Belgian community in the Peninsula area and towards furthering of close ties between Belgium and the United States.” This honor makes Chaudoir Door County’s first Belgian knight. He is the second man in the state to be honored by the Belgian Court. Chaudoir is employed by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and also owns a small farm in Rosiere. He helped organize the first Belgian-American tour to Belgium and was recently re-elected president of the Peninsula Belgian-American club, a post he has held since 1968.” Photo courtesy: Peninsula Belgian-American Club
Justin Chaudoir, Jr.
Pictured: 1934 Justin and Leona's children and grandchildren. L-R Willard Chaudoir, Grayce Chaudoir, Alphonse & Stella (Chaudoir) Ullsperger, Alvin & Dora Chaudoir, Bernard Chaudoir, ?, George Chaudoir, Alvin Chaudoir Jr., Robert Ullsperger, Betty Chaudoir, Leonard Chaudoir. Justin was born December 5, 1886 in the town of Union to Justin and Anatalie (VanCaster) Chaudoir. He worked on his father’s farm, until his marriage to Leona Delfosse on August 9, 1904. As a young man he worked in Brussels for the Pierre-Virlee Mill and then moved to Jacksonport where he ran a farm for the Frank LeMere Estate. After that he and a brother and sister bought out the Pierre Virlee & Co business in Brussels and operated it as the Chaudoir Company until the fall of 1917 when the mill burned and was a complete loss. Justin went on to sell lightning rods throughout Door and Kewaunee County. In 1918, Justin took over the Forestville branch of the Kewaunee County Grain Company until 1943 when he opened his own feed business. Every morning he would walk with one blue and one red handkerchief in his back pocket from his home across from the Lutheran Church in Forestville to his feed store on the corner of Hwy 42 and Main Street. Many people have told me stories of how Justin would attend all wedding dances at the Forestville Legion Hall and lead the grand march. Being a large man, he would use his stature to back the guests up and holler “Attention make way for the bride and the groom.” He was very civic minded and was the Chairman of the March of Dimes dance and campaign also held at the Forestville Legion Hall. The theme would be “Dance that others may walk.” At one particular dance someone threw a skunk into the dance hall, Justin loudly said, “I will give any amount of money to whoever will tell me who threw that “freeze cat” onto this dance floor.” This is a fond memory of many people who attended that particular dance! Justin was often called the “unofficial Mayor of Forestville” and led many parades and civic celebrations and enjoyed running Schafskopf card tournaments in winter months. My mother Gayle Gulley still has his card carrier he used for tournaments. Hunting and fishing were two of his main hobbies and he took many hunting trips with his best friend Sheriff Hallie Rowe. As President of the Door County Conservation Club he was very involved in game conservation. Everyone who knew Justin knew of his love for the outdoors, whether he was foraging for Morel’s or working in his enormous garden that was where he was the happiest. Courtesy” Lisa Columbo, Justin's great granddaughter
Ferdinand F Massart
Ferdinand F. “F.F.” Massart was born 10 March 1838 in Nil-St-Martin, Brabant Province, Belgium to Francois Cornelius Massart and Marie Virginie Jossart. On 18 June 1856 he boarded the ship J.H. Elliott along with his parents and siblings for their trip to America. They landed in New York on 31 July 1856 and settled near Rosiere in Brussels Township, Door County. About 1867 he married Annie Marie Champagne who was the daughter of Aime Champagne and Rosalie Marie Delsart. They lived and farmed with her parents on the western edge of the Town of Lincoln in Kewaunee County. The early years of F.F. and Mary’s marriage saw some huge tragedies with the death of their first child in 1969 and the total loss of everything they owned in the Great Fire of 1871. F.F. told a news reporter that there was not a single tree left on his property with which to start rebuilding. The details of how Ferdinand, Mary, Aime and Marie survived the fire are unknown. It is not uncommon that survivors of this horrific disaster did not share their memories. It is possible that they moved in with F.F.’s parents for a time as their home, which was only about 3 miles away and was saved. F.F. served the town of Lincoln during its earliest years as, treasurer, clerk, and town chairman at various times. He served during the years when long meetings were spent planning the layout of roads. Mary was not always fond of his public service as long meetings were often followed by a few beers. He also served many years as a trustee of St. Hubert’s church and also served as clerk of the assembly chamber in Madison. In 1907 F.F. and his sister, Marie, planned a trip to visit Belgium but little is known about this trip. The Massart home was always bustling with three generations of family. Their children were: Rosalie Wautlet, Felician Joseph, Jennie Rothe, John Baptiste, Louise DeGuelle, Mary Barta, Ferdinand F, Mathilda Jeanquart, and Emma Renier. According to the 1910 census they had two other children that had died. That census also revealed two sons and their families were living with F.F. and Mary at that time. His eldest son, Felix took over the farm and after the death of his wife in 1918, F.F. spent time living with some of his other children. In his later years F.F. suffered from senility which could explain why he spent time with various of his children. F.F. died at his home on 29 May 1926 and he was buried at St. Hubert Catholic cemetery in Rosiere. Courtesy: Sue Havel, F.F.’s great-great-granddaughter