Built between 1867 to 1868, a two-story gable front house was built by and became home to Albionite R. J. Frost, a local shoemaker and businessman. Fast-forward 156 years; the home now belongs to C. J. Frost, R. J.’s great-great-grandson who is restoring the home to its full glory.
Although not an original Albionite himself, C. J. Frost is bringing history back to the place he lives. Educated as a professional restoration craftsman and historic preservation specialist, Frost more than fits the bill with knowing how to restore his historic home. While talking with Frost, I got some insights to the work he is doing, the passion he has, and he’s newfound love for Albion.
In about 1984, the Frost Family Home was sold out the family, but through luck and good fortune, it made its way back. Growing up hearing about Albion, C. J. Frost was always curious about the community. As he grew older and able to travel, he found himself in Albion and fell in love with the people. Albion soon became a stopping point for other vacations and trips, until one day he and his wife were thinking about relocating, and their love for Albion brought them here. They ended up in the Frost family home.
With the knowledge that he holds, Frost began the journey of restoring his historic Victorian home. Through mentorship and training, Frost is a type of detective when it comes to restoration. He knows how to read the clues which lead him back to the original state. Clues include how to know the original paint types to reading lines on a floor. Frost finds the restoration process so important because as he explained, we as a country are finally in a time that we’re starting to recognize the history around us. As he stated, these places, these buildings are starting to get recognized as “old enough to be important.” With his knowledge, Frost is using social media platforms and conversations to enlighten more people to the exceptional history around them. That is how I learned about “Frost House 1867” and learned that Victorian Era homes are uniquely American.
Besides the opportunity to return to a family home, Frost has found a home in the Albion community. He finds the people to be welcoming and helpful, and appreciates the small town feel with the ever-giving community. As Frost continues the work, he hopes to help others one day restore homes in the area as having historic homes and landmarks tell a community’s stories, experiences, and pride.
To learn more about his restoration follow him on Instagram @frost_house_1867.