A Quiet Life of Service, Skill, and Thoughtfulness
Owen Johnson was a man of quiet dedication, deep intellect, and many talents. From the 1920s through the 1940s, he worked for U.S. Forest Service on the Lochsa River as a Fire Lookout, packer, and fire fighter, It was there that he developed a strong connection to the land. He was also an avid and gifted photographer, capturing the rugged beauty of the region with a discerning eye.
Owen left a legacy of beautiful and historically significant photography. Some of his photos are the only known images to exist of certain lookout towers. His photo albums are in his great nephew Jerry Johnson’s collection, who shared and provided the images and information about Owen with us at Idaho Fire Lookouts.
Owen was the oldest of nine siblings raised on the family homestead north of Kamiah, Idaho. His parents, Swedish immigrants, established a ranch there in 1901. Perhaps due to his quiet authority and earnest nature, his siblings gave him the affectionate nickname “Judge.”
After his time with the Forest Service, Owen helped his wife Mildred run the Woodland Store and Post Office. When the Woodland Post Office officially closed on November 30, 1957, a photograph was taken as the flag was lowered at the end of business—a fitting tribute to years of faithful service.
Owen continued giving back to his community throughout his life. He cared for the Woodland Cemetery, tended to carpentry projects for neighbors, and left behind finely crafted cupboards and furniture that are still in use today.
His nephew Jerry Johnson shared, “I loved visiting him and listening to his stories of working fires, etc. back on the Lochsa. One of my last visits, he showed me some hand drawn plans he had for making his own telescope! Including details about the grinding of the glass for the lenses! He was in his 70s then, and still thinking and dreaming of future projects. A wonderful man.”
Owen may not have smiled often in photos, but those who knew him saw the depth of his kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength. He was very much loved and is greatly missed.
Owen Johnson 1902-1983
OWEN JOHNSON’S PHOTO ALBUM
All photos taken by Owen Johnson with the exception of the singular photo of Owen himself.
Fire Lookouts included in this collection: Bear Mountain, Castle Butte, Coolwater, Fish B, Freeman Peak, Indian Grave, Indian Post Office, Lochsa Peak, McConnel Mountain, Old Man Point and Stanley Butte.
All images are the property of the Jerry Johnson and are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or sharing of these images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the owner.
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