Johnson-Wolfe Farm (Comus Inn)

Now a an entertainment and recreation venue known as Comus Inn, the former Johnson-Wolfe Farm is a well-preserved example of a rural domestic complex in western Montgomery County, Maryland. It also represents the development of a small farm into a substantial property that became the focal point of a rural crossroads community. The house was originally built as a log cabin around 1862 by Robert Johnson and expanded over time to its current appearance. The property also includes a small smokehouse, chicken coop, and a two-story barn. Comus Inn features a restaurant, a beer hall and beer garden, a bake shop, and space for hosting live music and events. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Robert Johnson's grandfather, Benjamin, and grandmother, Mary, acquired the property sometime in the early 1800s. It was divided between their sons Joseph and Benjamin Jr. in 1835. Joseph's son, Robert Johnson, bought ten acres from Benjamin Jr. in 1862 when he was 23 years old. It was around that time that he built the cabin, smokehouse and the original part of the barn. Johnson then bought 60 acres in 1865. The farm attracted others to the area and eventually a school, town hall, Blacksmith shop, general store and homes were built. The community came to be called Johnsonville by the late 1870s after the Johnson family.

In 1878, Johnson sold 30 acres to Joel Hamilton Wolfe, who was a Blacksmith and farrier (someone who takes care of horses). The log cabin was still intact but Wolfe built two additions during his ownership, which lasted until 1900. He was also a prominent local figure and worked, almost single-handedly it appears, to promote the area. He even rented rooms in the house to visitors who came enjoy the area's natural beauty. He also a charter member of the Barnesville Baptist Church. The Wolfe family probably raised chickens, cows, and horses as well.

At some point in the late 1800s the town was called Nicholson's Crossroads and Nicholsonville after the Nicholson family, who lived in town and operated a store. They may also have been the postmasters. The town was renamed Comus sometime between 1889-1905, which was when Louis McComas served in the U.S. Senate representing the 6th Congressional District.

Wolfe sold the property to Johnson family descendant, Levin B. Johnson, in 1900. After he died in 1929, his eight sons acquired the property but they sold it in 1936. The next owners then sold it in 1945 to the Spates family, who owned it until 1973 when Comus Inn, Inc. bought it. It appears that a restaurant has operated here since then.

"Johnson-Wolfe Farm." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 8, 2003. https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/PDF/NR_PDFs/NR-1360.pdf.

"Our Story." Comus Inn. Accessed November 29, 2022. https://www.thecomusinn.com/our-story.