The land was originally owned by Marvin and Mary Johnson. In 1965 they opened the Gourd Museum on the property and were known as the world-wide authority on gourd art. While open, the museum attracted visitors ranging from school groups, Fuquay farmers and TV crews to gourd lovers from all over the world. The collection includes gourd lamps, musical instruments, a variety of animals, a gourd Popeye, African mammoth gourds strong enough to stand on, and a rendition of the Last Supper made from seeds. Currently, the collection is on display at the Angier municipal building.