PRESS RELEASE:
Johnson Farm, located at the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86), provides an opportunity for insight about the Johnson family and community life in late 19th and early 20th centuries. Architecturally, the Johnson Farm is the Parkway’s best example of a log cabin home that was enlarged successively, clap boarded and otherwise modified to reflect the evolution and development of Appalachian homes. The farm also represents what may be styled “middle class” life in the mountains. It provides a significant contrast to log homes selectively preserved along the Parkway and the “country places” represented by the Moses Cone estate at Blowing Rock. In addition, the Johnson Farm contains several out buildings associated with the site.
This iconic and historically valuable site needs a group of volunteers to re-paint the Johnson Farm fence. Located at the Peaks of Otter, milepost 86, the Johnson Farm is the one remaining property from the community that existed around this vacation resort prior to the building of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Help keep the history alive with this valuable project. Volunteers needed immediately for August 3, 10 and 17. To volunteer, please email Fernando Gracia. (fernando_gracia@friendsbrp.org) or call 540.772.2992.