Coffey County Historical Society & Museum

This is a model of a two-story farmhouse near (old) Strawn in Coffey County. Arthur & Laura Williamson raised their eleven children there from 1907 through the 1930s, and continued to occupy the home. In the early 1960s when the John Redmond Dam was about to start construction, the residents of Strawn and the nearby area were told that they would be required to move because the reservoir waters would flood their homes. With no other choice given, the Williamson abandoned the house, set fire to the structure and other outbuildings in hopes to deter vandals, and then sold the property to the government. Years later when granddaughter Sandy Heusted had the idea of a miniature version, she persuaded her uncle Harvey Williamson to carpenter this replica of his childhood home, the home where so many of the Williamson family had such fond memories. Soon, other relatives contributed ideas and furnishings, with Sandy doing much of the detail work. The miniature house had been displayed at several family gatherings before it was donated by consent of the family to the Coffey County Museum.

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Copyright © 2007 Coffey County Historical Society & Museum
Last modified: April 08, 2007