1949 - 1950: Profiles of Prominent Citizens

A. Ralph Johnson
Kozy Kabin Kafe Tourist Court

July 21, 1950

A native of Charlton County and a life long resident of this community, Arnold Ralph Johnson was born in 1901 at the old Johnson family homestead about five miles west of Folkston where he grew up to manhood on his father's farm near Bethel Church.

He is a son of the late Judge J.H. Johnson and Mrs. Annie Gay Johnson, the latter now being a resident of this city and is a member of a large family of brothers and sisters, most of whom reside in this community.

The Johnson family settled in this county about 1825 when John M. Johnson came here from Tattnall County, establishing a homestead in the Traders Hill district. Honorable Erick Johnson, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, fought in both the Florida Indian War and the Civil War, having been severely wounded in the second battle of Manassas. He was highly regarded as a man of staunch character having died at the advanced age of 91 years.
The late Honorable J.H. Johnson served the county as Tax Collector and later as Judge of the Charlton County Court. He was a successful sawmill operator and farmer and was widely regarded as one of the county's best citizens.
After completing his studies in the common schools of the county, Ralph Johnson as a young man went to work for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. He worked as a railroad employee for about two years before deciding to embark on a business career for himself.

Locating in Folkston in March, 1927, Mr. Johnson first purchased a service station business which had been established by Tommy Wildes. This business was located on the highway nearly opposite the present establishment,
He carried on a successful, well-patronized business there until 1935 when the first eight units of his present modern and beautifully landscaped tourist court operated under the name Kozy Kabin Kamp were built. Other units of the well constructed, air conditioned, modernly furnished and equipped cabins have been added until the court now consists of a total of 14 cabins. The Kozy Kabin Kamp located well within the city limits is a pioneer in the field in this area and is widely regarded as one of the most attractive and efficiently operated tourist courts along US Highway No. One, with many regular patrons who arrange for return reservations year after year. It is easily one of the city's most successful business enterprises.

In addition to the tourist court Mr. Johnson operates a cafe and service station housed in a modern brick building fronting on the highway. The enterprise has steadily grown in popular favor and patronage with its facilities taxed to the limit almost every night to take care of its guests.

In 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson completed a modern brick home located on the highway directly opposite the tourist court, where they now reside. He has also acquired the P.C. Hall residence just south of his home now occupied by his son-in-law and daughter.

In 1924 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Julia Haddock of Nassau County. They have one daughter, Jewell Demaris, now Mrs. E.L. Shaffer. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer are associated with their parents in the operation of the Kozy Kabin enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are both members of the Methodist Church. They are friendly and congenial in manner and have a wide circle of friends throughout the community.

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