History as They Lived It: A Social History of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois

9. Present and Future

9 Present and Future The village of Prairie du Rocher still exists in the bottomlands, having survived for nearly 300 years. It is the only one of the former French villages that remains as a small rural village. In the eyes of the local inhabitants, the present and future are naturally more important than the past. However, as for every community, the past has contributed significantly to the configuration ofthe present. This chapter tries to round out the social history ofthe community . In no way does it pretend to have produced the final analysis ofthe village, instead, it presents ideas for reflection. This chapter is not based on documents, as the preceding chapters have been, but on observation, and particularly with interviews with local citizens. Their opinions and perceptions about the present and future of the village define the local views of the community. In the introduction the following questions were asked: Does the French ethnic heritage still influence the community? Do the values ofthe local population, expressed verbally or through community interaction, reflect the past? The answer to the first question is simple-consciously no. Prairie du Rocher is not a French village. The language, culture ,and 299 History As Thf!Y Lived It customs have vanished. La Guiannee still is sung on New Year's Eve, but it is now a curiosity, with little meaning to most of the townspeople , although they maintain a certain pride in it. A community awareness ofthe existence of the French heritage remains. Occasionally programs are given at the grade school about La Guiannee or on other French-related topics. Suggestions have been made to include French in the school curriculum, but no real demand for it exists. An adult class in the French language was held many years ago, but it did not persist for long. An annual eighth grade essay contest was established by the La Guiannee Society in memory of Percy Clerc, the former leader of the group. The purpose ofthe essay contest is to promote appreciation ofthe cultural heritage of the community. Each year the students' essays are reviewed by a committee and awards are given for the best three essays. Through this contest the children derive some knowledge ofthe history of the village. The local informants mentioned the historical background as an attraction for new people to move into town. Although this also was cited by some newer residents, the historical aspect the newcomers visualize is the architecture of the Victorian-era homes. Only a few of these exist in town; none of the French architectural heritage homes are available for purchase, and restoration and their significance is not recognized. The only real value ofthe French heritage perceived by people is its draw for tourism. The community views tourism from at least two perspectives. The local businesses feel exploitation of the historical aspects of the town would be useful for them in obtaining more trade and in improving the economic situation. Some individuals , however, don't want tourism. They don't want tour buses through the area, and just wish to be left alone. Those persons who feel tourism would be of economic benefit recognize that the village needs to coordinate activities with Fort de Chartres Historic Site, the major nearby tourist attraction. The fort, operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is only four miles away and is accessed by Highway 155, which runs through the town. Throughout the year the fort attracts tour buses and school 300 Present and Future groups, and on weekends holds special events and activities culminating on the first weekend in June with the Rendezvous, which attracts an estimated 20,000 people. Some ofthese tourists eat in town or shop for snack supplies and food for weekend re-enactment camping . Other historical attractions in the National Register French Colonial District are Fort Kaskaskia and the Pierre Menard Home. The road that leads to these sites from Prairie du Rocher is Market Street, where the Creole House still stands. The ferry crossing the Mississippi River to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, can be accessed offthis road also. Most persons feel that the community has not exploited its potential for attracting tourists interested in history, but there is a notable lack of ideas on how to do this promotion. Problems in obtaining funding for any possible projects play a strong part in the lack of initiative. Although the fort personnel are well liked, "the...