Thank you, Crawford-Howard Foundation

Friends for Our Riverfront (FfOR) has received a $10,000 grant from the Crawford-Howard Private Foundation to be used for educational purposes in creating a plan for the Memphis riverfront.

FfOR has begun the process of formulating an environmentally sensitive plan for the Memphis riverfront that reflects concern for the area’s historic and cultural value and that enhances the Public Promenade to its full potential as a civic space for public enjoyment. This donation is a significant contribution to that process.

The Crawford-Howard Private Foundation was founded by Hal B. Howard, Jr. to support non-profit organizations in our community. Mr. Howard, a native Memphian and graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, for many years ran the T. Rowe Price office in New York City. He has maintained his Memphis connections and has a strong commitment to his roots and to the history and culture of our city.

Mr. Howard’s grandfather, West J. Crawford, was a partner in the cotton business Mallory, Crawford & Co. and one of the founders of the Memphis Cotton Exchange of which he served for two terms as President. In 1889 Mr. Crawford, along with several associates, began publishing the "Memphis Commercial" newspaper which eventually became the "Commercial Appeal" with Crawford serving as president.

Two family homes still stand in Memphis. The earliest is located behind the present "Commercial Appeal" building on Lauderdale near Pontotoc.

In the early 1900s, the family moved to the beautiful red brick house at the NW corner of Madison and Parkway.

The Crawford-Howard Private Fdn. donation to FfOR reflects the foundation’s dedication to preserving our city’s rich history for future generations. We are very grateful for their support.