Frontier, “the Last Michigan Colony Before the Ohio Border”: 1834
Down in Hillsdale County, about seven miles from the Ohio border, I happened to come across the village of Frontier, tucked away in Woodbridge Township. This is another of the endless supply of Michigan small towns that bears a drive-thru and look-see.
The town originated as a post office station between Hillsdale and Amboy, but it grew just a little larger than anticipated. In Frontier's heyday, they had mills, a blacksmith, general store, several other shops, post office, church, and one-room schoolhouse.
The first settlers in the area were members of the William Saxton family, who arrived in 1834. It took another 17 years (1851) until the village was organized. The post office opened on January 30, 1857 named ‘Frontier’ - reason being because it was the last Michigan settlement before reaching the Ohio border. Well, it made sense at the time.
The post office closed a year and a half later (1858) but was re-opened in 1861 and remains so to this day.
Driving thru Frontier's old downtown could make you feel a sense of desertion, as many times the streets are barren of traffic. But there are still a good number of people who reside there, so don't let that fool ya. Happily, the village has improved somewhat over the last 10-15 years, with buildings that seem to have been renovated.
Still, a drive-thru will produce many great, old-time, smalltown photo ops for you, as many of the old buildings from the 1800s still stand. There are some side streets in the area where you will find more old homes and structures. Frontier is another of Michigan's small towns that deserves recognition...and your visit will be welcome.