The Courtyard
The Johnston house had a paved courtyard outside the kitchen door. The wall around it may have kept animals out of the area. The stonework and courtyard structures have been rebuilt over original remains.
The building beside the covered porch could have been a storage shed or a workroom. At one end of the porch is a fruit kiln like the one in which the Johnstons dried apples. You can see the firebox underneath by going down the steps beside the kiln. There were two orchards on the farm - one where the parking lot is now, and the other on the lower level of land near the springhouse.
A fireplace and oven have been built where a large quantity of ashes was found. There was no oven in the house. An outside fireplace would have been convenient for preparing products which would have interfered with cooking if heated in the kitchen.
At the other end of the courtyard is an herb
garden. These plants were used in cooking,
medicines and other household preparations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 40°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Fruit Kiln (here, next to this marker); Site of Smokehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cider House (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnston Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Prehistoric Indian Mound (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian Agency House (approx. ¼ mile away); Battle of Pickawillany (approx. ¼ mile away); Pickawillany (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Piqua.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
