Mozelle Johnson and the Central Hotel

When you read these old news articles, it may seem like yesterday for some of you, but to a lot of younger folks, it's "ancient history," not just the photo but the article itself. This photo was taken in the late 1800s to early 1900s, but the article that was posted is now 32 years ago. Feelin' old yet? 🤨😁

A Long Forgotten Scene from Winnsboro's Past

-Circa Late 1800s-Early 1900s

THIS WONDERFUL old photograph from Winnsboro's early days, and probably a "one of a kind," show's four of the city's lovely old structures, only one of which still stands today. The large building in the foreground, according to the sign on the front, was the Williams Hotel. The business was later bought by Mrs. Maude Johnson and renamed the Central Hotel. Mrs. Johnson's establishment was also famous for its wonderful meals. After Mrs. Johnson closed her hotel and boarding house, she had this structure torn down and, using the lumber from the old building, built the home that still stands at 100 East Carnegie Street, where her daughter, Mozelle Johnson, lives today. Just to the left of the hotel is the Davis home. In back, between the hotel and Davis home, is the Ashbury house, which was torn down in the late 1940s. At the far right can be seen some of the Bright house, which was moved and is today Lou's Country Inn on SH 37 South.

Photo Courtesy of Winnsboro Heritage Society

I'd like to note that Mrs. Mozelle Johnson passed in 1994 at the age of 85. Her life as was described in her obituary:

"Miss Johnson was born in Winnsboro on Nov. 29, 1908, to Mert M. and Maud Davis Johnson. A graduate of Winnsboro High School, she holds a bachelor's and a master's degree from Texas Christian University, and received her doctorate from the University of Colorado.

She taught in the Winnsboro Independent School District and at Emma Sansom High School In Gadsden, AL before joining the U.S. Army in 1943, where she served as a captain in the Women's Army Corps (WAC).

Following her discharge from the army in 1947, she lived in Denver, CO until 1962 when she returned to Winnsboro and resumed teaching English and Spanish. She retired from the WISD in 1973.

Miss Johnson was a member of the Central Christian Church of Winnsboro, the Edelweiss Club and the Business and Professional Women's Club.