2024 LGHS Annual Site Tour at Gustave’s 1887 Lodge presented by Annie Miller, owner-operator of “Gustave’s Getaway.” Annie will share what life on the southern border of Liberty Grove was like three generations ago and what it takes for her to earn a living today operating 3 separate businesses. The historic “Gustave’s Getaway,” 1887 lodge and grounds, have been lovingly preserved by Annie Miller and her deceased husband Jimmy. This historic Door County log cabin rental was built by Annie’s great grandparents, Gustave and Matilda Kodanko, using native timber. It is situated on 80 acres of its original farmstead and was home to four generations of Miller Descendants.
The property boasts old-growth forest trails, flowered meadows, rolling hills and an abundance of wildlife for you to explore. Extensive renovations were done to the log cabin in 2006. Annie invites you to step back in time during this rare opportunity to tour her iconic family and historic lodge located in the southeastern corner of Liberty Grove on a picturesque and quiet country road.
Question- What do Cars, Kraut, Local Government and History All Have in Common?
Answer- Our very own 4th Generation Liberty Grove resident Annie Marie Miller.
I met Annie about 8yrs ago when we both served on an Ad Hoc Parks and Property Committee. Back then, I was new and unaware of Annie’s depth of knowledge. Today, Annie and I still rub elbows serving on the Town’s Planning Commission. She was kind enough to present several years ago on behalf of the Door County Coastal Byway at the LGHS White Barn Museum. Annie is the owner of multiple businesses and is a well-respected community leader.
Annie graduated Gibraltar High School in 1972. In 1985, Annie obtained a diploma in Auto Repair and Advanced Auto Computerized Electronics Diagnostics/Repair from the Milwaukee Area Tech College.
She has received ongoing technical training in the automotive field and was certified in ASE Master Auto Repair. She is also certified as a Food Service Manager. She has received ongoing educational training for town government officials, including municipal disaster management & with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Board of Review (for citizen property taxation issues.)
Over many years Annie has worked at different times for “The Florian” in Baileys Harbor, now “The Augusta Club”. Annie has been self-employed and is the owner-technician of “A.M. Enterprises Auto Repair,” since 1987; owner-operator of Door County Kraut Co., since 2002 and the owner-operator of Gustave’s Getaway.
Annie served as a town of Liberty Grove Supervisor starting in 2006, until 2015. She has served on the Planing Commission and chaired the Parks and Properties, Highway, and other town committees. She also served as the Town of Liberty Grove representative to the Door County 2030 Core Planning Com and Vice-Chair of the Door County Chapter of the Wisconsin Town’s Association.
Annie has also served as the coordinator of the Harbor/Grove Community Calendar for many years and has served for 3 years as the president of the Baileys Harbor Business Association. Currently, she serves as the Chair for the Door County Coastal Byway.
For additional information regarding Annie and her Door County Kraut Co., please read the following Peninsula Pulse article: doorcountypulse.com/fermented-cabbage-connects-ann-miller-german-roots/
Photo: Miller Farm after 1887. LGHS 2022.215.008