Owner of Old Time World Helps the Past Come Alive Again!
Written by Elizabeth McCabe
“I give thanks to God every day for the wonderful blessings that have come my way over the past 77 years,” reflects Howard Johnson.
A man of faith as well as gratitude, Howard has an incredible passion for boats and restoration. His life story is one of determination, dedication, and an unyielding love for preserving the past. Today, he is known for his work with Whirlwind boats, but his journey began in an entirely different field – furniture restoration.
Purpose + Passion
Born in the immediate aftermath of World War II, Howard’s life was shaped by hard work and a strong sense of purpose. His parents instilled in him a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a love for all things antique. His father, an expert craftsman, taught him the art of furniture restoration, from refinishing wood to repairing intricate pieces. These valuable skills would later play a significant role in Howard’s life.
Fifty years ago, Howard embarked on an unexpected path when he was invited to build a big catamaran sailboat by a partner of his best friend. “He talked to me about building it for a month,” recalls Howard. “I gave up my business, sold my home, and joined him. We wrote to the great designer he had found and wanted to buy the plans for the catamaran. This great designer called us and invited us to move to Sint Maarten in the Netherlands to live with him on this new piece of land.” Howard and his best friend spent 6 years living next door to them while they built a 60-foot building for their catamaran. “We won the speed record and boat races with it,” says Howard with pride.
The experience culminated in joining American tall ships in their bicentennial year, where they anchored their boat in the same bays as these historic vessels. They were invited aboard these tall ships, an experience that sparked the idea of writing a book about their adventures.
Support of HIs Parents
The instruction and guidance of Howard’s parents shaped him into the man he is today. “My mother forced me to take dancing lessons,” he says. “I learned to dance as a child.” “My father taught me to say, ‘Hello. I’m Howard Johnson,’” he says. Howard learned to be hospitable from his father.
Throughout his life, Howard’s father had always supported and encouraged him, teaching him valuable skills and shaping his character. When his father revealed that Howard’s mother was a descendant of the Procter & Gamble family, the connection to fine craftsmanship and attention to detail made sense.
Inspired by his father’s teachings, Howard learned to value hard work, learn various trades, and to cherish family heirlooms. His passion for restoration extended from furniture to boats. His father’s guidance helped him become a skilled craftsman, allowing him to preserve and restore antique wooden boats, including the iconic Whirlwind boats.
Wild About Whirlwind Boats
The Whirlwind boats, once produced in a factory in Cockeysville, Maryland, have a rich history. Originally intended for molded plywood glider airplanes, the surplus materials were repurposed to construct pleasure boats. The boats were meticulously crafted, with layers of mahogany expertly glued together and baked in an autoclave before being varnished to perfection.
Howard’s dedication to restoration and his love for Whirlwind boats brought him into possession of around 30 of these historical vessels. Some are in pristine condition, while others require extensive work to return to their former glory. Howard takes pride in his role as a restorer and consultant for boat owners who seek to revive their own Whirlwind boats.
A Book About Boats!
What’s remarkable about Howard is that he is putting his life story in a book, Boats In My Blood, that will be released soon. This labor of love, totaling 225 pages, starts with his days being a War Baby, his upbringing by his parents with strong morals and hard work ethics, and goes into his passion for boats. It describes his “many forgotten blessings spread all throughout the years” that led to his love of dancing, singing, music, artistry, reading, writing, and more. His expert craftsmanship, coupled with his understanding on how to repair or rebuild everything, helped him to excel in antique restoration and wooden boat refinishing.
What’s Next
With a desire to share his collection and knowledge, Howard dreams of establishing a permanent museum for these beautiful wooden boats. He envisions a place where people can learn about the craftsmanship, heritage, and significance of these vessels. He has already taken steps to display his collection, with boats showcased in a spacious barn on a 7-acre farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As Howard says, “People tell me that my 70 boat collection is the nicest in the entire country.”
Honoring the Past
For him, restoring Whirlwind boats is not just a hobby or a profession; it is a way of honoring the craftsmanship and history they embody. Each boat he restores carries with it a piece of the past, a connection to a bygone era of meticulous craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Howard’s dream of a permanent museum is driven by his desire to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from these remarkable vessels. Through his tireless efforts, Howard continues to write the story of Whirlwind boats, preserving the legacy of these wooden marvels and inspiring others to cherish and safeguard our rich nautical heritage.
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