Old Frontenac shows its age with gala celebration
Perhaps moreso than any town in the area, Old Frontenac is a village where past and present collide.
“So much of our history is still evident in the community,” said Lorry Wendland of Frontenac, who is the author of two books chronicling the village’s 18th century pioneers.
There’s a “special ambiance” in the village, she said. “It doesn’t have streetlights. It doesn’t have retail.”
The village’s history is recounted in numerous books, at least one movie, and is evident in the 35 homes and other buildings that are at least 100 years old.
Frontenac will be sharing its history with the public on Saturday, Sept. 21, with a gala celebration of the village’s 160th anniversary called “Stepping Back in Time: A Celebration to Honor Our Heritage.”
Events include an artillery and musket salute, a quilt show, cemetery tours, a gallery art show at Villa Maria, 1800s craftspeople, old-fashioned base ball, 1800s family activities and lifestyle displays, and a lot more.
Wendland has been involved in preparations for Saturday’s event for two and a half years. At first it was just her and Linda Buysse, she said.
Later, as plans grew more elaborate, the heritage preservation commission of Florence Township, where Frontenac is located, stepped in to lead the effort, she said.
Why it has remained so well preserved is up for debate.
Some see the roots of its preservation in changing transportation. In Frontenac’s heyday, much of the travel through the area was by steamboat. Over time it was replaced by railroad, which bypasses the village, and automobile.
Others see the dedicated efforts of historians and preservationists like Florence Strupe.
The village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The historic preservation commission reviews construction plans in the village in an effort to preserve its historic character.
Wendland herself sees evidence of both.
The act of planning for the celebration has turned up even more history thanks to the great grand-daughter of Israel Garrard, an early resident.
Georgie Garrard McMahon Johnson is allowing several items from her family collection to be displayed.
Among the discoveries was a German book published in 1856 from a free lending library that had operated in the village (see related story).
Wendland said she hopes visitors Saturday “understand the depth of the history and how the pioneers built this village.”
“I’m hoping with the events–the display of Frontenac antiques and the cemetery tour–that they learn more of the story of these people,” she said. “And I want them to have fun.”
Events begin at 9 a.m. and run into the evening. Complete information about Saturday’s events is available online at frontenac160.com.
