History of the Johnson House Museum
This house was built in 1852 by Orlando Beach and was purchased by Henry J. Traver. Henry was the owner of a carriage manufacturing plant located across the street. He sold the house to the Methodist and Congregational Church congregations to serve as a parsonage for the reverend Thomas Browning. He served as mayor for Wadsworth for two (4 year) terms.
The next owner of the house was Dr. Daniel E. Cranz, an investor in the Wadsworth Salt Company, who practiced medicine from this location for 16 years. He was followed by Dr. Thomas Jefferson Ritter who was also a physician. He practiced from 1863-1900.
Dr. Robert Johnson moved into the house at age 22 and at age 28, he became the mayor of Wadsworth. He, also, served for two terms. His daughter Myra remained in the house after his passing and she became the fourth doctor to practice out of this house. She retired in 1976 and passed in 1994. Her house was purchased by the City of Wadsworth and became the headquarters for the Wadsworth Area Historical Society in the early 2000’s. Today the structure contains historical documents and artifacts representing Wadsworth’s past. The museum is open each Saturday from 9:30 am – 11:30 am and also during special events or by appointment.
The original house that was built in 1852 had two significant additions over the past 180 years. On the south end of the house a one-story sunroom was added. Finally, a kitchen and dining room was built onto the rear eastside of the house and included an additional bedroom upstairs.