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.