asabarron
09-06-2009, 02:52 PM
I am reminded of a time when I was about 12, when my father took me to meet Raymond Evans who had been a porter at the Crawford House, and had worked for members of my family whom I am to young to have known. He was elderly then, and that was some 15 years ago or more. I believe he must have passed on by now. He was a genial old man, with a plethera of stories to tell, and what a collection he had from Crawford's! Out behind his shed on an old winding dirt road was the original sign from Crawford House, which stood above the port cociere, please excuse my spelling! The sign had been left to the elements for years, I do not know his reasoning. I thought as I was leaving, how sad it was to have such a piece of history, tossed aside like an old car. I guess it did not mean as much to him, as it was history he had lived, he may not have apreciated it's historical value. I have original floor plans, and a great photo of my Great Grandfather stanging beneath that very sign in 1933. I also have many other fine items, including the desk which was my Great Grandfathers, used at the Hotel. Ray Evans was an intersting and great man, and I noticed when I was last at the Highland Center, in the Carriage House was an aerial view of the hotel, donated by Ray Evans. I feel lucky to have had the chance to know him, as there are so few people left who can speak to the glory days of the Grand Hotels, and Grand they truely were, and are.