Smokehouse Re-Creation

02 Smokehouse resizedThe smokehouse was one of the most important outbuildings because it was used to preserve and store the hundreds of pounds of smoked pork that served as the principal source of meat on the plantation. This original smokehouse stood until the mid-1980s, but it was a pile of rubble by 2001 when restoration began on the main house. Archeology revealed the details of the original building including the stepped-out foundation. Based on photographic and archeological evidence, the smokehouse exterior was re-created. The interior houses the high-tech mechanical system for the main house, including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, dehumidifying, and fire suppression equipment.

  • Smokehouse in 1982, with Robert Rose, spouse of Catherine Johnson Rose, last Johnson born at Lakeport Smokehouse in 1982, with Robert Rose, spouse of Catherine Johnson Rose, last Johnson born at Lakeport
  • Re-bricking the smokehouse facade Re-bricking the smokehouse facade
  • Re-creating the smokehouse Re-creating the smokehouse
  • Re-creating the smokehouse Re-creating the smokehouse
  • Brick-paved smokehouse floor Brick-paved smokehouse floor
  • Original stepped-out brick foundation Original stepped-out brick foundation
  • Archeological work on smokehouse foundation Archeological work on smokehouse foundation
  • Smokehouse showing deterioration Smokehouse showing deterioration
  • Smokehouse in relation to dairy, at right Smokehouse in relation to dairy, at right
  • Re-created smokehouse nearing completion Re-created smokehouse nearing completion
  • Re-created smokehouse at Lakeport Re-created smokehouse at Lakeport
  • Re-created smokehouse houses mechanical system Re-created smokehouse houses mechanical system