Our Story
The Birch Terrace dining room was constructed in 1898 out of pine logs by the Charles Johnson family. Mr. Johnson was a logger and would occasionally trade furs in his home with the trappers and local Indians. When building this Northwood’s mansion, it was discovered that the front yard was an Indian burial ground. The burials grounds were never distributed and to this day remain untouched
Mr. Johnson often entertained the early governors of Minnesota. The hearings were help and the bill was signed by governor Preus to start the construction of the Gunflint Trail in this living room.
It was also New Year’s Even tradition for the Johnson’s to celebrate the New Year with the local Indians in this home.
The Johnson family had their own wilderness pet, a moose, that would meet the incoming freight steamers at dockside and persistently nudge crewmen for his daily chew of snuff. The moose suddenly disappeared one day and rumor has it that he may still be hanging around the Birch Terrace.
Other families who have served the community here include the Sjobergs, the Tockoviches, the Gilchrists and the Gulbransons.
The Larsens, a local logging family with Norwegian roots are happy to continue the tradition of hospitality begun here by the Charles Johnson family. We hope you enjoy your time at the Birch Terrace.
Your Hosts
