Burlington House Interiors

Remnants from the past: The brick pattern on the domed top of the kitchen's original bee-hive oven (above); the stone-lined bulkhead steps; and graffiti on a basement beam: "WJ 1925," possibly by Simon's son F. Walter.

(Photos courtesy of John Goff)

Burlington Farmhouse Interiors

The inside of the Johnson house reveals evidence of its early history; above (left and right), the simple pine mantel, original unfinished pine door and trim, and wood floors in an upstairs bedroom.

Brenda, granddaughter: "We spent a lot of time at that farm…many overnight visits. Even as a child I remember being in awe at the beautiful woodworking around the fireplace and the home."

In the parlor, the original mantel and built-in remain, along with the "faux oak graining" on the door of the cupboard. This is where the Johnsons celebrated Christmas.

Lois, granddaughter: "The smorgasbord is what we had with the Bensons every Christmas Eve. My grandparents cut their own tree and actually lit it with candles. The tree was in the front parlor and long tables under the front window held the food. It was a real feast! We always got a mesh stocking filled with candy."