Johnson
  Johnson Photo  
 

The CPR main line ran right by the front garden of the Johnson homestead and it runs through the history of so many of the Johnson family. Laurie Johnson is holding a photo taken of the Johnson homestead situated on the north bank of the Kicking Horse River across from where the Mad Trapper is now located. Laurie’s Grandfather Carl Vilhelm Johnson is in the centre holding daughter Ruth and is surrounded by the rest of his 9 children.

 

Carl and his wife Emma emigrated from Sweden and were married in Golden in 1898. At the age of 42, Emma passed away in 1915 – one year before this photo was taken - leaving Carl with a family to raise. It’s speculated that the five gentlemen in dark suits were fresh off the train from Sweden receiving some old country hospitality before setting off on their own Canadian adventure.

 

 

Laurie’s father Arvid went to work in theGolden CPR depot on July 14, 1917 as a telegram messenger boy and retired from the CPR 52 years later. Laurie worked for the CPR for 36 years, 30 years of that time at the Golden station.

The historical image behind Laurie is a print from the Museum’s archives and our best bet is that family and friends have gathered to send-off the Bride and Groom on their Honeymoon.