The Hughes homestead rests along Joker Hill,
a reminder of Calhoun's prosperous farming days
About eight outbuildings and structures
surround the farm house, one for every purpose
By Bob Weaver 2009
The Hughes farm near Joker is barely standing, likely built by Oscar J. Hughes (1868-1954) in the early 1900s following the death of his father, Charles G. Hughes (1841-1917).
The main part of the house is log.
It is a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Calhoun's earlier days.
While Hughes family members gravitated to public work, it is evident the homestead was a working farm, with numerous outbuildings for every purpose.
Second story porch has doorways entering into second story bedrooms
The old well still has bucket, rope and crank;
leaning outhouse housed a copperhead snake
The Hughes family likely came to Calhoun from Harrison-Barbour after the Civil War, descendants of explorer Jesse Hughes.
Oscar married Lizzie Roberts in 1901, having children Cecil, Opal, Oral and Ershel.
Cecil was the last Hughes living in the homestead, having died in 1988.
Up the hill is the faded village of Joker, once a county post office, and named for Joker Sewell in the late 1800s.
It was near this house that Calhoun eccentric Eddie Kirby drilled a gas well for his fortune and fame, working on the project for many years.
For similar stories see People, Humor and History
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