Art and Martha (Marty) Johnson bought 80 acres of what was originally the George Washington and Lucretia Snyder homestead in March 1972. In later years, she did extensive research about the previous owners and history of the land. She entitled it History of a Homestead.

The homestead was originally 160 acres and the Snyder's patent was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. The log cabin of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir built by the Snyders had some of the bark let on the logs to help with filling the spaces besides chinking. The two-story structure had three bedrooms and additions were made at various time. Outbuildings were also added to suit the needs of the owners. One of the later owners raised hogs and cattle for sale, another had a dairy. A fruit orchard was also planted by one of the eight owners.

Harmony Heights School was nearby, but in the early days, though it was only 6-7 miles to Orofino, the trip usually took two days, with an overnight stay at relatives in Orofino.

Along way, the property was split into two 80 acres parcels. It was the last owners, the Johnsons, that had a choice whether to burn down the cabin which had become quite dilapidated or tear it down and rebuild it. Their son, Ty was a young architectural student and up for the challenge of rebuilding the structure, though his parents planned to build a retirement home on the property. The log structure was restored.

Marty characterized homestead's story as one of hard work and sacrifice, as well as love and family life, just like that of many homesteads.

Trivia Archives

Sponsored by:

Want accurate, daily news for Orofino and Clearwater County? Subscribe to: Traditional news Today's technology It's a bargain at $3 per month, $18 for 6 months or $30 per year. (Idaho residents, please add 6% sales tax) Subscribing is easy: Drop us a check with your email address and we will sign you up. (See the mailing address at left) Pay online: Click this Registration link and follow the Pay Pal instructions.