The Highlands: R. B. Johnson’s House
Posted on 5/23/25
Robert Bruce Johnson was a prominent figure in Holyoke’s economic life, with deep roots in both the insurance and banking sectors. He established R. B. Johnson & Son on High Street, offering coverage for fire, life, and accident risks. His influence grew further through leadership roles at two major financial institutions. He served as treasurer of Holyoke Savings Bank from 1866 until his death in 1899, and became the first vice president of Holyoke National Bank in 1872. By 1896, he had advanced to president, a post he held until the end of his life. Built for Robert B. Johnson, the stately residence stood as a symbol of his success and housed his wife Cornelia and their two children, Charles and Jenta.
The House
This is one of the earliest known photographs of the house which captures its bold, dark-hued exterior paint scheme and elaborate rooflines, set against the backdrop of a sprawling Holyoke estate and hills. The exterior was well photographed by different photographers, and we’ll be exploring some of them today. It survives today currently at 1425 Northampton St in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Some research states the home was constructed in the 1870’s however newspaper articles contradict that and put the construction date around in the mid 1880’s. By winter of 1884 plumbers have been just awarded the work.
With carpentry being pushed to be complete by July 1st, then the interior finishing could be completed thereafter.
Two years later however, the newspaper mentions the home was painted in “three rich dark shades of color” according to this article. If only they mentioned which three colors they were. This article does raise some questions. Why Did they wait two years to paint the house? Did they repaint the house a different color scheme due to a disliking of its original scheme? What there a delay in construction? Was the newspaper mistyping? Were they waiting for the wood to cure?
The earliest available Sanborn Fire Insurance Map covering this area dates to 1915. At that time, the property was said to span an impressive 19 acres, stretching up the hillside—a feature that becomes more evident in later photographs. Here we can see the home and its carriage house and other outbuildings attached to it like a Hen House. Though by 1915 the carraige house was clearly converted into an auto house.
A similar angle of the home, but about a decade later, when the vines and trees were in full bloom and the grass was ready for a cut.
An unidentified woman and her horse, possibly Jenta, stand at the front corner of the home.
According to the 1911 atlas, these estate properties extended significantly up the hill, with this particular parcel covering 19 acres. Robert Bruce Johnson passed away in 1899 at the age of 71. At that time, the house and land were recorded under the name of his daughter, Jenta J. Gill, who had married George Gill in 1893. The couple had been living with Robert and his wife Cornelia since their marriage. After Robert’s death, the property was clearly inherited by Jenta rather than his son Charles. Cornelia later passed away in 1914 at the age of 78.
The map also indicates a second house was added at the front left corner of the property, belonging to Charles W. Johnson, Jenta’s brother. Charles had joined his father in the insurance and banking industries and eventually succeeded him as treasurer of the Holyoke Savings Bank. He lived in this additional house until around the time of his marriage in 1890.
As always, post facts or thoughts in the comments below. If you have additional information on this beautiful home let’s compile it here.
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