Wadsworth in Medina County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Johnson House Museum / Carriage Factory
Johnson House Museum. The Johnson House was built in 1852 and its first owner was Henry J. Traver (1827-1911), owner of Traver & Company carriage factory across the street. From 1877 until 1994 the house was the residence and office of four doctors who maintained their practices there. The first was Dr. Daniel Cranz (1854-1914) followed by Dr. Thomas Ritter (1855-1928). In 1900, Dr. Robert Johnson (1878-1952) purchased the house. His daughter Dr. Myra Johnson (1909-1994) took over the practice after he died and until she retired in 1976. After her death, the house was converted into a museum. It is operated by the Wadsworth Historical Society and owned by the City of Wadsworth.
Carriage Factory. A carriage manufacturing business was located across the street from the Johnson House and is believed to have been established around 1838. Eventually acquired by Henry J. Traver, the business continued under various names and owners as Traver & Company, Stevenson, Browning & Steele, Browning & Steele, and R. Stevenson & Company. The firm’s office was the location of Wadsworth’s first election on April 4, 1866, during which Aaron Pardee (1808-1898) was elected the first mayor In 1875. The carriage maker was thought to employ approximately 20 people. In the 1890s, it occupied about 7,000 square feet of floor space. Automobiles began to replace horse drawn vehicles early in the 20th century and the carriage business closed in 1915.
Erected 2017 by the Wadsworth Area Historical Society, the Whitlam family, Wadsworth American Legion Post 170, and The Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 11-52.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 41° 1.629′ N, 81° 43.772′ W. Marker is in Wadsworth, Ohio, in Medina County. Marker is on High Street (Ohio Route 94) north of Maple Street, on the right. It is on the grounds of the Wadsworth Municipal Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 161 High St, Wadsworth OH 44281, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. General Elijah Wadsworth (a few steps from this marker); “Skypark” (approx. 3.6 miles away); Birth of Skypark (approx. 3.6 miles away); Veterans, Members, and Friends of Sky Park (approx. 3.6 miles away); Johnson’s Corners (approx. 5 miles away); Sharron Center Veterans Memorial (approx. 5 miles away); The Sharon Center Public Square Historic District (approx. 5 miles away); Slovenian Independent Society Home (approx. 5.8 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.