Two major, positive developments regarding the Crawford Auto Aviation Collection came at the end of Fiscal Year 2011, both of which are transformational for the collection and Western Reserve Historical Society as a whole. The first was a gift from the estate of Kathleen Crawford to establish a fund at the Cleveland Foundation to support the Crawford Collection. The second was the release of State of Ohio funds for a major renovation project at the WRHS History Center in University Circle, which will largely affect the Crawford exhibit galleries.
Fiscal Year 2011 continued the transition begun in 2009 to truly integrate the Crawford into the entire Historical Society. Since the Crawford is such a renowned auto and aviation collection, it has built a wide audience and reputation. However, the Crawford Collection also consists of other forms of transportation— motorcycles, bicycles, carriages, and sleighs as well as the library-based Automotive Marque files. WRHS is dedicated, particularly in light of the endowment gift, to enhancing that reputation through proper care and presentation of these collections. At the same time, WRHS is emphasizing, through our literature, marketing materials and signage, that the Crawford is one of many very important collections within the Western Reserve Historical Society. The result of this integration will be a healthy, sustainable Historical Society serving Northeast Ohio residents and visitors from across the globe.
The FY11 transition provided a “breather” for the Crawford. The longtime director retired. WRHS had gone through a series of deaccessions to refine the collection and tighten its focus on the WRHS mission, and it needed to determine the best way to proceed to protect and enhance the collection. In April 2010, WRHS hired a consultant from The Henry Ford for six months to assess the entire collection and determine what maintenance work was required now and in the future for proper upkeep. At the same time, we developed a job description for a new Crawford curator who had mechanical, restoration, and museum experience. The result of these efforts, capped off by the Crawford endowment toward the end of the fiscal year, made WRHS ready to enter FY12 with a plan.
The dedicated corps of Crawford volunteers was crucial during this transition. Their work, along with WRHS staff taking on some additional responsibilities, allowed us to continue participation in auto shows and public events. The Crawford remained visible and received positive public press and support during the year.
Below are some of the highlights of activities in FY2011.
New Acquisitions:
• 1930 Ford AA Truck
• 1930 DeSoto
(Both vehicles are fully restored and operational and will be used in outreach programs.)
Media:
• Regular monthly features in Cruisin’ Times Magazine
• Two video features on Cruise-In
• Various articles in print and electronic media
Shows & Events:
• Barrington International Wine Classic, Barrington Golf Club, Aurora.
• A selection of six cars from the Crawford Collection was featured at this annual, elite fundraising event that supports WRHS. Event guests enjoyed rides in the Crawford cars on the grounds of the Barrington Golf Club.
•
Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, Glenmoor Country Club, Canton.
• WRHS presented six cars and one motorcycle at the event, including our 1932 Peerless which was featured as the signature car for the event. The Crawford volunteers ensured that all Crawford cars featured at Glenmoor were in running condition which included the:
o 1932 Peerless
o 1913 Austro Daimler
o 1914 Peerless
o 1916 Owen Magnetic
o 1925 Rollin
o 1920 Jordan
o 1918 Cleveland Motorcycle
•
First Annual Piston Power Show, IX Center, Cleveland.
• WRHS exhibited 10 vehicles and one motorcycle from the Crawford Collection.
• Somewhere In Time, WRHS, Cleveland.
• The 1973 Mustang was brought out of storage to be featured at the WRHS fundraising event, Somewhere in Time. Guests were able to sit in the automobile and take photographs.
• Cleveland International Auto Show, IX Center, Cleveland.
• WRHS displayed the three Allegheny Steel/Ford stainless steel vehicles from the Crawford Collection, marking the first time these vehicles have been shown outside of the museum. The cars were a highlight of the show for visitors and featured in the Plain Dealer.
• Ault Park Concours D’Elegance, Ault Park Conservatory, Cincinnati.
• WRHS featured the 1969 Ferrari, California Spyder from our Crawford Collection one of only eight such vehicles in the world.
Exhibits:
A new traveling exhibit, made possible through a grant from the SK Wellman Foundation, was created featuring the Automotive Marque Files. It focuses on auto advertising and illustrates how women played a central role in industry marketing in the 20th century. The exhibit has been displayed at the WRHS History Center in University Circle; the Glenmoor Gathering; the Piston Power Show; and the Cleveland International Auto Show.
Partnerships:
WRHS maintained and developed partnerships with the following organizations, events and businesses:
• Ault Park Concours D’Elegance, Cincinnati, Ohio
• BBN Oil Recycling
• Canton Classic Car Museum
• Cruisin’ Times Magazine
• Fargo Machine
• Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, Canton, Ohio
• Greater Cleveland Auto Dealers Association
• Handy Randy Television Show
• Heinrichs Vintage Car Shop
• IX Center, Piston Power Show, Cleveland
• Jeff Phelps, Host, Cruise In
• National Packard Museum of Warren
• Passport Transport
• Reliable Transport
• Summit Powder Coating
• Sylvester Trucking
Becky Carlino
Director of Community Engagement