FULL: Journeying Through Johnsburg
Monday, August 24, 2026
Home to small-scale agriculture, tanning, and burgeoning timber industries in its 19th-century era, Johnsburg exhibits numerous storied structures that tell the story of this town’s evolution over time. Developer John Thurman lured people to the area in hopes of sustaining several industries at the turn of the 19th century. Although these ventures did not take off, the area still came to produce a diverse slate of architecture in the following decades as railroads and new residents carved their way into town. On this outing, we will explore the 1913 train depot and historic riverside community of Riparius. Next, the tour will explore central buildings in the hamlet of Wevertown, including the recently restored, AARCH Preservation Award-winning Robert and Electa Waddell House, as well as the welcoming 1875 St. Charles Borromeo Church. In the hamlet of Johnsburg, we will experience the remarkably preserved early-19th-century Methodist Church and a temple-front Greek Revival-style home-turned-hotel. We will also experience some other surprises along the way as we take a deep dive into Johnsburg’s storied places.
This outing is led by Deana Wood and Donald Seauvageau from the Johnsburg Historical Society and numerous local property stewards. The tour starts at 10 AM and ends at 3:30 PM.
The fee is $75 for AARCH members and $90 for non-members. Lunch is included.
Please note that this outing will feature roughly a half mile of walking on mostly even terrain.
Photo courtesy of Deana Wood.