Drexel celebrates opening of Cranford Room at community center
Built in the mid-1950s, the modernization of the community center’s banquet hall improved the room’s acoustics, repaired roof leaks, and replaced electrical outlets, while increasing the space by 30%.
Grow with Drexel President Dan Hoyle talks about the many contributions of the Cranford family to the area.
Brad Cranford (center) and his brother Eric’s widow, Emily Cozort Cranford, speak with Drexel Mayor Dennis Anthony.
Gail Powell (center) talks with Jim Rostan (left) during the dedication of the Cranford Room.
Drexel Manager Bill Carroll (left) stands with Drexel Mayor Dennis Anthony and Burke Chamber ambassador Stephanie Lipski.
Local dignitaries and Cranford family members gathered Wednesday at the R.O. Huffman Center in Drexel to formally dedicate the Cranford Room, named to honor the family’s dedication to education, service, and community.
Built in the mid-1950s, the modernization of the community center’s banquet hall improved the room’s acoustics, repaired roof leaks, and replaced electrical outlets, while increasing the space by 30%. The work accompanied a series of improvements throughout the center, including an overhaul of the restrooms.
Brad Cranford, son of Fred and Betsy Cranford, said the dedication of the room to his family is not seen as a monument, but a continuation. The ribbon cutting was hosted by the Burke County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a space where people will gather, learn, plan, celebrate, and build the future of this community, a space where the values my family lived can continue to ripple outward to everyone who made this dedication possible,” Cranford said.
Grow With Drexel President Dan Hoyle shared the deep contributions and values that Fred and Betsy Cranford passed along to their children, and throughout the Drexel community.
Fred Cranford is remembered as a devoted educator, historian, and cultural steward. He served in the U.S. Air Force and had a long career in education, which included both teaching and school administration. He is known for writing the celebrated outdoor historical drama, “From This Day Forward,” which tells the story of the Waldenses who founded Valdese in the late 1800s. Betsy Cranford was also a beloved educator, teaching French and Spanish for many years, and retiring from Freedom High School. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was active in professional organizations.
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Read more about the ribbon cutting celebration on Page 10A.
