The Legacy of Johny Carpenter
Johny Carpenter was born June 25th, 1914 in Debinsville, Arkansas and aspired to be a major league ballplayer. However, in 1936, a near fatal car accident while he was playing in the minors ended his baseball career. During his rehabilitation he saw the many children who were afflicted with crippling and debilitating diseases and injuries. He made a promise to the Lord that once he recovers he would do something to help these children.
Johny recovered and put his next great skill to use, riding horses. He traveled to Hollywood and became a stuntman and starred in many “B” westerns. He did not forget his promise though. Beginning in the 1940's and continuing for over 50 years, Johny saw to it that the forgotten children had a Thanksgiving dinner. Out of his own pocket he paid to see this happen.
That still was not enough. Johny Carpenter established the Heaven on Earth Ranch. It had several locations but finally found its permanent home in 1970 on Foothill Place in Lake View Terrace. This became a haven for the physically and mentally challenged children and young adults to experience a western theme town that Johny built. To ride a horse and see Johny’s fellow stuntman perform. It was the best medicine they could ever receive.
Readers Digest published a feature story on this and Johny received national acclaim. The countless list of dignitaries including President Reagan, Governor Deukmejian, Mayor Bradley, Congressman Gallegly offered their public recognition lauding his unselfish deeds.. From his modest apartment in North Hollywood, Johny kept the Ranch going for over 24 years, it became a regular stopping point for local schools. The annual Thanksgiving dinner was joined by a Christmas Party with Santa Claus arriving by helicopter. However, this all ended in 1993 when Johny was evicted by the property owner to make way for a housing development. Johny fought back and a temporary location was found close by. But it was not the same. The ranch ceased operations in 1995.
Johny Carpenter died in a Burbank nursing home on February 27th, 2003, he was 88. But instead of a housing tract, The All Nations Church purchased the property and discovered what took place here for so many years. The “New Heaven on Earth Ranch” Foundation was created in 2004 to not only honor Johny Carpenter the man but to continue his mission on behalf of those less fortunate. Once again the sign that stood over the ranch that had Johny’s faith written plainly, “The service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth” will again be heard.
Thank you Johny Carpenter.
Michael Carpenter
Executive Director
The “New Heaven on Earth Ranch” Foundation