Site work
Arthemon Johnson Sr. & Mary Jane Hill Johnson raised a family of seven boys and one girl at this Vineland Road ( now known as Bruton Blvd ) farmhouse. The former dairy farm was deeded to the family around 1946. Mary Jane ( Naynee ) ran a midwifery business on the property, which included a second story nursery and two additional dwellings on site used for mother and infant aftercare. She also worked away from the home traversing the deepest parts of rural Orlando to help mother's in birth. In 1981, at age 77, Naynee was cited on the record as the last "granny" midwife in Orange County, Florida. Naynee's Babies is a non-profit organization formed by members of the Johnson Family. As the descendants of Mary Jane Hill Johnson we cherish the legacy bestowed upon us by she and our grandfather Arthemon Johnson Sr. by which we are working to create a lasting resource for the neighborhood and the birthing community at large. Serving community is our Johnson family legacy. This home became a Designated Landmark in 2022 by the City of Orlando. We are looking forward to the prospect of the building being granted an African American Cultural Heritage site whereafter it will serve as a museum + resource center for doulas, birthworkers & herbalists.
Landmark Designation
In 2021 preparations began to designate the property at Bruton Blvd as a landmark. Numerous findings and research had to certified for the building and grounds to be recognized for landmark status. With the help of the family, community and neighbors, the homestead received it's Landmark Designation in February 2022.
Home Restoration
Plan for restoration of the site and house are underway. We are in the beginning stages of fundraising efforts to make this a reality in the very near future. Look for our first event next year where we will hosting a reunion inviting all of the babies Mary Jane ( Naynee ) Johnson birthed ( and their families ) back to the Vineland Road ( now Bruton Blvd ) residence.
Garden Conservation
Plans for the grounds include grooming natives, replanting original plants and introducing new herbs to the garden. Our hope is to be able to shed light on the benefit of adding herbal regiments and protocols to both pre- and post-natal journies.