The Forgotten Ghost Town of Johnsonville, Connecticut: A Tale of Victorians and Visionary Entrepreneurs
Johnsonville, Connecticut, is a peculiar place nestled within the town of East Haddam. It was once a thriving mill town, but it transformed into a personalized Victorian playground for an eccentric millionaire. Today, it stands abandoned, a haunting reminder of a bygone era. This article delves into the history and current state of this curious location, exploring the eccentricity of the man behind it and the efforts to revitalize the town.
A Mill Town's Transformation
Johnsonville, Connecticut, was a prosperous mill town until the mid-20th century. However, everything changed in the late 60s with the arrival of Raymond Schmitt, a wealthy aerospace manufacturer. Schmitt turned Johnsonville into his personal Victorian complex, much to the surprise of the local community. But this period of prosperity was short-lived, and by the early 1990s, the town's fortunes had started to decline.
The Rise and Fall of Schmitt's Dream
Raymond Schmitt was more than just a manufacturer; he was an eccentric visionary with a passion for history and restoration. In 1972, he began to transform Johnsonville, bringing in structures from around the East Coast and restoring them to their former glory. Schmitt dreamed of recreating a bygone era and often opened the town for public tours or rented it for special events, including weddings.
However, the project faced setbacks. Schmitt's plans to sell the town were unsuccessful, and in 1998, he passed away, leaving the town in a state of limbo. His collection of period-specific items was auctioned off, but Schmitt's vision for Johnsonville remained unfulfilled. The debate over ownership and the future of the town continued, and the property fell into disarray.
The Ghost Town's Abandonment
From the 60s until the late 1990s, Johnsonville was owned by Schmitt. After his death, the town was eventually sold to a hotel conglomerate, but it has remained unpopulated for nearly 20 years. Today, the village is deserted, with empty buildings and overgrown vines.
Beyond the physical abandonment, the town faces a complex issue of what to do with the land. Some people, including a local named Parker, believe the current asking price is too high. A mysterious bidder purchased the property for $1.9 million but the deal fell through in April. There are even efforts on Twitter to buy the land for various uses, from vineyards to housing complexes.
Legacy and Future Possibilities
Despite its current state, Johnsonville has a unique legacy. It is scattered with the remains of structures and artifacts that reflect a time long gone. The skeletal remains of animals that fell through the roof of Gilead Chapel and scattered across the floor offer a haunting reminder of the time when the town was bustling.
The ongoing efforts to revitalize Johnsonville highlight the town's potential. Whether it's a vineyard, a horse farm, or a rehabilitation center, the property has shown interest from various parties. The hotel conglomerate that currently owns the Johnsonville property is considering options, including the sale.
While the future of Johnsonville remains uncertain, it stands as a testament to the visionary entrepreneur Raymond Schmitt and the unique period in Connecticut history that it represents. The town, like a past that never truly existed, continues to intrigue and captivate those who lay eyes on its abandoned streets.