Underground Railroad Days continue to grow
Published 8:14 am Thursday, July 14, 2016
- People flocked to Vandalia last weekend to celebrate Underground Railroad Days. Attractions included a car show, vendors, music, children’s activities and tours of the Bonine House. Special guest Mary Charlotte Bonine visited the renovated structure to talk with guests. (Leader photos/SCOTT NOVAK)
The seventh annual Underground Railroad Days continues to enjoy success.
On opening night, July 8, author and lecturer Carrie Eldridge presented “The Manumission of Sampson Sanders Slaves” at the historic Chain Lake Baptist Church.
On Saturday and Sunday, visitors to Vandalia were able to browse vendors, take in a classic car show and listen to music throughout the day at the Ramptown Cabin.
Inside the Vandalia Community Center there were historic displays and presentations throughout the day, including a performance by the Sam Adams History team, which recently won the Michigan History Day state championship.
There were also activities for children, a soul food dinner and Kentucky Raid guided tours.
At the Bonine House, tours were available and guests were excited to have the opportunity to meet Mary Charlotte Bonine, who was born in the historic home and spent many years there.
“It was home,” she said. “Now that I am at the age I am, it was an exquisite home, beautiful home. At the time I did not realize it.”
Bonine is impressed with the restoration efforts of the home.
“Absolutely gorgeous. They have done a beautiful job upstairs,” she said. “I was here last year and I was so surprised. Those floors shine. See, we had carpeting down here and there was nothing on the floor upstairs.”
Underground Railroad Days are sponsored by the Village of Vandalia and the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County.
