Burlington House Photos

Outside the Johnson farmhouse

The two black and white photos above (courtesy of the Johnson family) show the old farmhouse in the early 1900s. On left, before the porch was added, with Simon and Olga's daughter Lillian. On right, Simon's plowhorse Peter, with the house in the background, porch attached (photo taken with Brownie camera by Johnson granddaughter).

F. Walter ("Bud"), grandson:

"As a youngster in the '40s and '50s, I was very fortunate to have spent time with my Grandfather, Simon Johnson, at his farm... He was probably 50 years behind the times in that he never had a tractor or any modern farm equipment. Everything was done with a horse pulling a plow, wagon, hay rake etc. That is the way things were done for hundreds of years and I was able to see the very basics of farming and much hard hand work.

Susan, great granddaughter: "I have heard stories about this home my entire life. In fact, I live on a horse farm, and I am sure that a little of this was influenced by my grandparents. My great grandfather was an amazing man. He had such large, worn hands. We would play cards together and he would teach us Swedish songs....You have reopened a very special chapter of life in my heart."

Color photos below (courtesy of John Goff) show the exterior today, including the enclosed front porch.

On the front porch, the original Greek revival architecture remains above the front door; the older door (right) was the Johnson's front door.

Brenda, granddaughter: "The porch was an enclosed room where we usually gathered and had a big double swing at one end. The summer kitchen off the regular kitchen always interested me. That is where many of the harvested vegetables, etc. were kept in the winter and also was the exit to the out house which was used by my grandfather while out in the field."