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Explore > Crane Estate > Story Archives
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Crane's Beach is our family favorite !
Submitted by Susan and Buzz, West of Boston
For 27 years, our family has enjoyed beach days at Crane's Beach. We have a treasure trove of memories and are grateful that generations to come will have this wonderful natural preserve to enjoy as well. All this and Castle Hill too ! Susan and Buzz
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in the days of my youth
Submitted by Hilly, Boston
I was fortunate to land a job at the beach and "hill" back in the '60s. In those days the Trustees divided the crew into 2 groups, the "hillies" and the "beachies". While everyone cleaned the beach in the early morning and had to park cars on the weekends, the prestige position was the Castle Hill work. I have fond memories of attaching the gang mowers to the International Harvester tractor and spending the day mowing the great expanse of lawn that stretches from the Castle to the sea. I often joke that I would be happy to spend my approaching retirement owing those lawns once again (are you listening, ToR?)
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How could you vote for anything else?!
Submitted by Bill, South Shore
The Crane Estate is an affair of the heart... in season, out of season... how many of us had a first date, were married, spent at reflective day, taught a child to swim, walked the beach, watched pounding winter surf and on and on? The Trustees have advanced our cause for over 100 years... please encourage your friends to vote for the Crane Estate! WFB, Centerville/Cape Cod
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great memories
Submitted by Ron, North Shore
40 years ago my wife and I were married on the lawn of the great house, wonder ful memories. We have raised three daughters and have always created great memories at the estate. Now we have the pleasure of using the facilities With our daughters and grandchildren. I am sure that many other families would attest to the benefits of maintaing the estate.
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Crane Estate Family Fun
Submitted by Ginny, North Shore
The Estate has something for just about everyone. Spectacular views, great beach and fun things to do. I have been to weddings, parties, concerts and conferences at the Great House. It always impresses me how beautiful this property looks and how well it is cared for and treated.
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CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY MEMORIES
Submitted by JLP, North Shore
I have loved the Crane Estate since I was a small child in Ipswich and was fascinated by the House on the Hill where I thought a prince and princess must live, and remember the annual public picnics on the beach - and schoolbox lunches provided to all of the children of Ipswich from grades K - 12 by the Crane family trust. It marked the end of school and the beginning of summer for me every year. I remember the days when the sand dunes sat high and regal and extraordinary in the background -- I remember the swimming lessons at the crack of dawn in the frigid water when I would turn blue because I was so tiny (not any more). But I wouldn't trade the memory. I remember the wonderful Girl Scout Outings, singing, campfires, and overnights there. Though the facility has long been destroyed, the entrance and boardwalk remains and passes by the location. I remember the yearly first trips to the beach with friends before the water warmed up, when it was a feat just to jump in and duck and come out laughing and happy while covered with every towel I could find afterwards. The water was always invigorating and made you feel truly alive -- I remember... the lovely walks day or night to view the sunrises and sunsets -- different every single time - the wonder of it all -- the view from the castle down on the beach -- the wildlife -- the gulls -- the sandpipers and terns, the wild storms, the motorboats and sailboats. I returned to Crane Beach throughout my college years and when I moved away for a very short time, I came back to return to visit and enjoy the peacefulness. I was one of the very first 3-4 brides to have a wedding reception at the Great House in the 1960's - the weather was perfect and tables were inside and outside on the lawn with a live band playing. There was an ice sculpture and fountain - I was in heaven and it was one of the most reasonable of all settings to be. I remember sneaking in through the trees on the marvelous Grand Allee in the 60's to watch the Kingston Trio, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Now I have returned to live in Ipswich, and am thankful to be able to walk the grounds of the Estate, view Plum Island Sound from the end of the Grand Allee, walk the beach whenever I want and enjoy the sun and wind on my face and relive past walks, reflect on just the day, and maybe solve a problem or two. I walk now with my three children and three grandchildren - it continues to be a special place and a retreat for all of us.
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Crane's Beach
Submitted by papoukondi, South Shore
Growing up in Melrose, Crane's Beach was a favorite overnight surf fishing spot - Later in life, living in Boston, taking dates to the jazz concerts or the winter chamber music events, was the ne plus ultra of living in the Boston area. Great preservation of an era of pre-hedge fund money and the benefits it could give the communities where it was located. And spent.
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Family Walks
Submitted by Jayne, North Shore
I began walking at crane beach as a child with my father, mother, and brothers. This year, I have taken walks every season with my three sons. We use it as a time to talk and reflect on what has been happening in our lives. It is truly a magical place, unlike any other I have visited in the world.
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Visitor from UK
Submitted by BM, North Shore
The Crane Estate is unique and vital to preserve for future generations. Dedicated volunteers are doing all they can to restore the house and need financial support. A walk on Crane Beach is beautiful and exhilarating. I register my vote for The Crane Estate.
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Experience of a lifetime
Submitted by vbw, Boston
I lived on the Crane Estate for three years while working as the innkeeper at the Inn at Castle Hill. It was a truly remarkable experience. I also got married on the estate - so the property has a special place in my heart.
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Crane
Submitted by G, North Shore
Many wonderful summer family memories took place at Crane's Beach.
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Great family time
Submitted by Oldeman Family, North Shore
We've been enjoying the Crane property since we moved to this area eight years ago. After having kids, the beach became a weekend staple, and the Inn and tours of the estate are now treasured getaways for times when we escape for a rare weekend without the kids. The place is magical and we can't imagine our lives without it.
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Memories of Crane days with family
Submitted by katebeverly, North Shore
Too many days at Crane's to remember, with family, with friends, beginning as a young child to time as a parent with kids of my own. Stolen days and nights of joy with ocean sights and sounds, too many good memories of a Dad who loved the water, and a Mom who feasted on the sun. Celebrated my 16th birthday at a Duke Ellington concert on the Lawn! Moved to north shore 13 years ago - a dream come true! More families and kids need to share this wonderful place and its simple pleasures. Got my vote!
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Celebrations!
Submitted by Pauline, North Shore
I have created flowers for many glorious celebrations at Castle Hill over 24 years. The wind has brown through the flower covered trellises. The sea breezes have given their blessings to countless couples. The views have inspired many watching on to reignite and renew their own vows. The magnitude of " the place" surrounded by the glory of its natural surroundings has given so many an opportunity to begin life in a setting so inspirational and so profound. I am grateful to the Trustees for the opportunity to work here but even more for the opportunity it gives to all to come here and be part of the promise that this property affords to all who come and walk upon its land.
Fabulous photos available.
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Family Outings
Submitted by Lou, North Shore
One of the earlier stories says it best, the Crane Estate "never fails to disappoint." During the summer concert series the beckoning area of lawn to the side of the estate has been roped off by yellow tape so it would be terriffic to have that areas access restored for all with this grant.
Hikes on the marked trails through the dunes in any season, exploring tidal pools at low tide with your kids, an impromptu Friday night picnic after work on the beach and the magnificent landscape and architecture of the estate all add up to my vote for this deserving grant candidate.
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Thanks for so many memories
Submitted by Doc, West of Boston
My senior prom.
Festival at the 4th of July.
My daughter's clarinet recital.
I was married at dawn on Crane's beach.
Many family memories at the beach...root beer, jogging at the water's edge after work, photos, life's stages.
A very special place.
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Crane Estate
Submitted by Annie, North Shore
The Crane Estate is one of the jewels of the north shore. I always bring friends and family when visiting.
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Childhood Memory
Submitted by Scott, West of Boston
I grew up on the North Shore and the Crane Estate and Crane's Beach where standard summer fare. One of my earliest memories was sitting on the great lawn with my grandmother listening to a concert given by Bob Dylan. I can remember everything about that concert: the excitement, the heat, the smell of wine and smoke and mostly the beautiful setting.
From time to time, I return to Crane and always am transported back to a more carefree time.
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Fourth of July
Submitted by BoP, North Shore
My Daughter and family have been participating in the fire works at Crane for many years and have been so taken by the property, the beach, and the house that my wife and I decided to have our wedding reception there. As well as the Fourth I have been to concerts, and several other events at this unique and stunning property, which are open to one and all. Supporting the Trustees of Reservation has become an annual decision for my family, join us!
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My son's favorite place and engagement site
Submitted by Beth, North Shore
Although our eldest son moved to the midwest and married a midwesterner, he planned to propose at the Crane Estate (on the dune walk) so she would forever be as fond of Crane's as he (and his whole family)!
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Crane Estate
Submitted by Laurie, North Shore
Every year since we moved here ten years ago, our family has been enjoying the Crane Estate property. Whether it is the beautiful beach, the estate grounds, Shakespeare in the Barn, the house tours, 4th of July event, outdoor summer concerts, or the special Christmas events, this property has been a part of our life year round. We support the preservation of the Crane Estate as our top choice for funding.
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A magical place!
Submitted by Anya, South Shore
After searching for 6 weeks for "the" place for our wedding site, my fiance's sister highly recommended that we check out the Crane Estate. The minute I started up the winding driveway, I had a feeling that this was the exact place I'd been searching for! Once I arrived in the driveway, I knew that this is where we would celebrate our nuptials. The Crane Estate is breathtaking, magical, and peaceful. I hope it wins the $100,000 prize, because I am looking forward to sharing this place with our children one day!
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Breathtaking
Submitted by VP, Boston
Absolutley amazing. Not only is Crane an icon of the local community, it is a destination for those of us trying to get a breath of fresh air away from the city.
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Newport on the North Shore
Submitted by Larry, West of Boston
I was married at the Crane Estate on May 30, 1975. I can remember arriving a tad late and suffering the scoldings of my soon-to-be wife as well as those of my mother and mother-in-law.
Our best man was so taken by the bathroom in the suite where we were changing into our suits that I had to pull him out by his tie in order to get him downstairs. He wanted to see what it was like to bathe in a marble tub!
The wedding and reception (it was a champagne party with finger food and a tiered chocolate cake) was a beautiful sight to behold. The 3 piece ensemble played "Happy", from "Lady Sings the Blues" as the wedding song, as well as selections from "The Sting" and some Gershwin and Rodgers & Hart tunes.
My mother forgot the rice, so as we were exiting to leave on our honeymoon, she pelted us with white driveway gravel. It was like buckshot.
It's hard to imagine, but the whole event, including the bride's hand-made
gown and the clothes the rest of the small wedding part wore came to about $1,000. Try to do that today!
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Suprise Engagement!
Submitted by Kitty, North Shore
The Crane Estate has a special place in my heart, as this is where my darling husband, Dave, surprised me with a marriage proposal! In lieu of favors at our wedding, we made a donation to the Trustees - and now every time we return, we remember that beautiful afternoon when we decided to spend the rest of our lives together.
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Both are retired school administrators
Submitted by Mary and Jim, North Shore
Mary and I were married at the Crane Estate in june of 1974. It will always be a special place for us. Although it was a beautiful place back then, it was in need of some tender loving care and refurbishing. The trustees have done a great job in bringing it back to a much better state of repair.
Congratulations and good luck.
Mary and Jim
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Still my favorite place!
Submitted by Stema, North Shore
I consider myself lucky to have grown up in Ipswich. Before I could walk I was crawling on the sand of Crane's Beach & grew up wandering the Crane Estate property....I have travelled the country,wandered many places,enjoyed beaches & historic sites, but...none can compare to the Crane Estate,beach & wildlife preserve....it remains my favorite place to be! Over the years I have dangled my feet in the water of the fountain in the Rose Garden,(yes,many moons ago there was water in the fountain)...watched the sunrise from the crumbling porch of what in now The Inn,..rolled down the lawns of the Grand Allee...hiked to the top of the lawn to contemplate the future while taking in the grandeur of the view of Plum Island & beyond...& much more. I have watched with saddness as this beautiful place has deteriorated, but still....always returned, bringing my children & now my grandchildren to marvel & enjoy this treasure. It has been wonderfull to watch as the restoration has progressed, bringing back life & beauty to this old friend...I am hopefull that the restoration will continue & that someday I can dangle my feet once again, in the water of the Rose Garden fountain & show my great grandchildren Mrs. Crane's ,( & my),favorite view of Steep Hill Beach through the pines at the far edge of The Rose Garden!
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reach the beach
Submitted by ma, North Shore
I need space every weekend after a week in the cubicle farm. Crane's is one of the places I go regularly.
I saw Cossi Fan Tutti there years ago which was magical and mosquitoey!
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Crane Estate
Submitted by Joan, North Shore
A truly beautiful place with its handsome house, long allee bordered by trees and spectacular views
of marsh and ocean.
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Amazing Crane
Submitted by Pitch, Boston
Years ago I discovered Crane and it has never disappointed... the beauty of the property, the care given by The Trustees... it's more than anyone could hope for... the other projects are wonderful, but this one is special... good luck!
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The Crane Estate--something for everyone
Submitted by Kristi, North Shore
The Crane Estate gets my vote! This National Historic Landmark and Northshore icon offers something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a summer concert on the beautiful lawn, spend a relaxing day on the pristine Crane Beach, peaceful get away for the weekend at the spectacular Inn at Castle Hill (while sending your children off the The Trustees/YMCA;s new SummerQuest camp) or just soak in the panoramic views on Castle Hill, The Crane Estate keeps me coming back for more! I can't think of a local treasure that deserves these Partners in Preservation dollars more!
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Crane Estate
Submitted by Bill, North Shore
Extraordinary... will never forget my first visit... perfect choice!!
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