Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Along the Way to Bramble Haw, Good Fences

Good morning from Old Frontenac, Minnesota.

This area was originally established as a trading post by James Wells and later would become Frontenac sometime before 1850. The name was changed to Frontenac after Frenchman, Louis de Buade de Frontenac by the Garrard brothers.

I discovered this enchantingly secluded area in 1989 and have been returning here ever since.


Welcome to Winona Cottage




GOOD FENCES

Israel Garrard built Winona Cottage as a wedding present for his son George and his wife Virginia.




This mortar less wall surrounds the property of Winona Cottage on Garrard Avenue between Sumner and Faribault Streets.  The wall was constructed by a team of Native Americans led by tribal leader Little John.




Frontenac was known as "The Newport of the Northwest" and developed a reputation as a lovely resort destination, drawing many wealthy tourists up the river to escape the blistering southern heat.



I moved in closer to catch a Monarch butterfly but of course it escaped my lens, as they most often do.




Frontenac caught the attention of Mark Twain and after seeing the village he wrote this in his 1883 novel, Life on the Mississippi. "Then Frontenac looms upon our vision, delightful resort of jaded summer tourists."

There were other well known guests vacationing here such as prominent clergyman and abolitionist, Henry Ward Beecher and his sister Harriet Beecher Stowe, along with Actress Marie Dressler and F. Scott Fitzgerald.




Winona Cottage is near Bramble Haw, which sounds much like a mythical kingdom or possibly an English country manor doesn't it?  I'll go into more detail in a future post. 

 Bramble Haw begins where a winding road disappears into the woods, with a locked gate which once led to a charming two-story New England-style cottage, home to Colonel and Mrs. James Munro.  



Today Winona Cottage is a private residence again, and while I shot these photos the family was entertaining around their swimming pool.



A most pleasant afternoon overflowing with laughter and splashes drifting across the grounds.




Thanks so much everyone for stopping in for my Good Fences post!
Enjoy your day.

14 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i'm lovin' the old stone fencing!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen, Winona cottage sounds like a lovely place. The trees and grounds are pretty. I love the stone wall. Great captures, enjoy your day!

Christine said...

An enchanting place by all accounts! The wall is a testament to the men's building skills! Loved learning about the history of Frontenac.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Killroy...

Gail said...

Rocks, history and nature...what would I not like about this post. Dry stacking and masonry always amazes me. Fantastic fences...if they could only talk.

Filip and Kristel said...

That's a raw wall. Don't know if I have to like it or not. Doubts.

Greetings,
Filip

RedPat said...

That is a wonderful fence! And a nice story!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

That's beautiful stonework. I find the Monarchs aren't too skittish when they find a flower they really like.
~

Elephant's Child said...

What a glorious place. I do love dry stone walls. And marvel at how well they last...

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great fences for today's meme esoecially the stone walls

sage said...

Lovely stonework and interesting history of the cottage

aspiritofsimplicity said...

that stonework is absolutely beautiful...the work those masons did back then...even now...is amazing.

Hootin Anni said...

The craftsmanship of the ages give this area a LOT of character. I enjoyed the photos, and understand why you AND Mark Twain returned/return over and over.

Charming, secluded, and Beautiful!!!

Unknown said...

Awesome!