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Florissant unveils historic marker honoring Franz Gerhard Frank Winter
Summary
Mayor Tim Lowry and local preservation groups dedicated a new historic marker recognizing Franz Gerhard Frank Winter's 19th-century boot and shoe shop and the Winter family's long ties to Florissant; the marker includes a QR link to photos and will be added to the city's brochure of historic sites.
Mayor Tim Lowry opened the dedication, introduced civic leaders and described the city's new historic-marker initiative, saying it stretches Florissant's story "back to the 1700s" and brings that history "to life in a fresh and meaningful way." The markers are placed throughout the city's historic district and are accompanied by a brochure and QR codes that link to photos and background information.
Gina Seabee, president of Historic Florissant, said the committee and a range of local partners collaborated on the project and named the specific marker being unveiled: "This particular marker that we are going to unveil tonight is designated for Franz Gerhard Frank Winter," the longtime boot and shoe shop owner. Seabee said the brochure available at local businesses, City Hall, the Egan Center and JFK includes a map and descriptions of most markers; the Winter Boot Shop will be included in the brochure's next printing. She also named contributing partners including Florissant Veterans of Foreign War Post 4105, Friends of Veterans, Old Town Partners, TK Signs, the Florissant Street Department and volunteers who helped place the signs.
Cheryl Winter Frager, introduced as a descendant of Frank Winter, recounted family memory and local ties: "To think I am standing where they stood 160 years ago gives me goosebumps," she said, and described her father Glennon Frank Winter's work as the family genealogist and his role in creating community institutions. She thanked the city and the marker committee for preserving the family's history.
Councilman Tom O'Donnell offered brief remarks of thanks to organizers and city staff, praising the marker project as a way "to remember where we came from" and encouraging continued community participation.
Greg Loman, president of Old Town Partners, described his organization's role in promoting Old Town Florissant's events and small businesses and highlighted annual events such as the Valley of Flowers Festival and the Florissant Fall Festival as part of ongoing efforts to draw residents and visitors to the historic district.
Mayor Lowry invited the Winter family to unveil the plaque and offered a personal note about long-standing family friendships as the marker was revealed. Attendees were invited to take brochures and scan the marker's QR code for photos and additional context. No formal votes or municipal actions were taken during the ceremony.
