In Milton, within the Milton Cemetery, is the grave of Howard D. Johnson, the man who founded the Howard Johnson restaurant and hotel chain.
The cemetery is located along Canton Street. The entrance (the westernmost) is about 100 ft east of the intersection with Randolph Street. From the entrance, follow Willow Avenue to Centennial Avenue to Coleaus Road, then follow this road as it turns to Maple Avenue. The Grave is on the right, within about 25 ft of the road and near an intersection with another road.
The grave is a red granite monument, with bushes flanking on either side. The word, "Johnson" is engraved on the face toward the road. On the top is the following:
"Howard D. Johnson
Febry 2, 1897 - June 20, 1972
Marjorie C. Smith
Octr 10, 1911 - June 25, 2005"
Immediately in front of the large marker are two smaller markers in the ground. The one on the left has "M.C.S." engraved, and the one on the right has "H.D.J."
Further toward the road is a small plot marker in the ground with, "Johnson 412-1" engraved.
Howard Deering Johnson was born in Boston. In eighth grade he quit school to work in his father's cigar business. When his father died, he inherited the business, and its debts. The business was sold in 1924. In 1925, he bought a corner store near Wollaston Beach, Quincy, Massachusetts. He bought a recipe for ice cream which contained more butterfat and natural flavors. The operation became successful and he expanded with more stores and added other menu items. In 1935, he partnered with local businessman Reginald Sprague and they developed the modern restaurant franchise. Later, the Howard Johnson Hotels were added. In the 1930s, the chain grew to 170 stores serving 1.5 million people a year. By 1954, there were 400 restaurants in 32 states. In 1959, Howard Johnson retired and turned the company over to his son, Howard Brennan Johnson. However, he continued to monitor his son's operations until the father died in 1972.
Today, the hotels are owned by Wyndham Hotels, and there is one single restaurant left at Lake George, NY. But Howard D. Johnson left an indelible mark on the American restaurant business and American culture.
Source:
Wikipedia (Howard Deering Johnson):
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findagrave.org (Howard Johnson):
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