Johnson relives Metolius history

Becky Johnson (center) listens to question from the audience as Jean Nave and Dennis Tooley assist. photo by Conrad Weiler

Ninety-year-old Becky Johnson kept her audience rapt for nearly two hours at last week's Historical Society/Friends of Black Butte Ranch meeting, reliving her experiences living on 160 acres located near the Head of the Metolius.

Johnson covered political, environmental and family history for her audience with pictures, newspaper articles and a sharp memory.

Commenting on the one-acre plus scenic easement with the U.S. Forest Service that led to today's "Head of the Metolius" scenic trail, Becky said, "Sam (her husband, now deceased) worried about how grandma and the kids would get to see this wonderful site. This was the first scenic easement the Forest Service had ever done and it took 10 years to completely work things out."

According to Becky there was a road down to the river and the headwaters area that cut through their property. People had been using it for so long that it was impossible to close it off.

"It was getting so we couldn't control the traffic," she said. "Better to have the U.S. Forest Service, which managed the lands surrounding our property, set up an easement allowing easier access to the headwaters viewing site."

Those who take the short trail off Camp Sherman's Road 14 down to see the Head of the Metolius and the majestic, long view over the river towards Mt. Jefferson, can thank the Johnsons for the breathtaking experience.

"Sam wanted the trail paved so kids in strollers and older people could make their way down to the headwaters," said Johnson. "It was a great day in 1971 when the dedication took place and reading the proclamation that this easement would be forever and ever. Orville Freeman, then Secretary of Agriculture, was on hand with a host of dignitaries for the event."

Also, Becky brought a copy of the Portland area telephone book cover from 1965-66 with a picture showing the headwaters, Metolius River and Mt. Jefferson.

"They never asked us if it was all right to show a picture from our land," said Becky. "But it sure sparked interest in bringing people to the area to see the beautiful site. People love this area to death."

S.O. Johnson, Sam's dad, purchased the 160 acres on the Metolius River for $16,000 in 1924. It was given to Sam in a $1 deal in 1934 and he built a little cabin on it (Becky thought it might have been a catalog home from Sears Roebuck).

"Sam built a larger new cabin in 1958," said Becky. "He wanted it to look like it had always been there."

The interior of the new cabin was knotty pine and the drapes are earth tones to match the environment according to Becky.

"Sam and I always wanted things as natural as possible," she said.

Currently, daughter Betsy actually owns the Johnson property along the Metolius River, according to Becky.

Becky's entire presentation was recorded by videographer Jack Barringer and is now part of the BBR Historical Society collection. An audio version was also produced. Contact Jean Nave, president of the BBR Historical Society, for information at 595-2547.