Helen & George Johnson, Sr.
13405 Lake Shore Boulevard
Helen Burgess Johnson, a pioneer family member, was born on December 14, 1885, in Cleveland to Howard and Alice Burgess. She was educated at Miss Miltenberger's School at 1020 Prospect Avenue and East 40th Street. She went on to attend Rye Seminary in Rye, New York.
She was a past regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the National Society of New England Women, Le Cercle des Conferences des Francaise, the Nineteenth Century Club, and the Junior League.
Helen married George Johnson on October 18, 1909. They had four children: Mary Alice, born on February 21, 1911; Helen Burgess (Hosler), born on October 20, 1912; George Clark Jr., born on April 14, 1916; and Joan (Fewsmith), born on September 6, 1917. All attended Bratenahl School.
George Clark Johnson was born on October 12, 1881, in Cleveland to George J. and May Johnson. He graduated from University School in 1900, followed by the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale University, graduating in 1903.
George Johnson was a direct descendant of Levi Johnson, who came to Cleveland in 1799 as a carpenter and later acquired extensive holdings in downtown real estate and became one of Cleveland’s millionaires.
Upon his return to Cleveland, Johnson went to work for the Gary Iron & Steel Company as a cost clerk. He found an opportunity and rose to become secretary of the company. However, he later became interested in another direction which caused his resignation.
In 1915, he was elected president and manager of Enamel Products Company located at 341 Eddy Road. The most significant part of Enamel Products' output was kitchen cabinets sold through department stores. They also manufactured broiler pans, dirt trays, panels, and splashers for stove manufacturers. Enamel Products also manufactured Korok chalkboards for school and industrial use.
George was also director of the Bowler & Burdick Company and associated with several companies, including Harshaw Chemical, Standard Tool, and the Cleveland Hobbing & Machine Company.
George was appointed to serve the remaining council term of Brigham Britton in 1942. He continued to serve until resigning in 1954.
Johnson was a member of the Western Reserve Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Ohio Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, and the Ohio Society of New York. Social memberships included the Castalia Trout, Country, and Union clubs.
George died on October 15, 1968. Helen died on March 25, 1974. Both died at their 13405 Lake Shore Boulevard home and are buried in Lake View Cemetery.