History and time
unfortunately have a way of letting us forget about people and things. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr.
and Mrs. Walton about the Kraft Memorial Free Library and Mr. Walton’s great,
great Grandparents, Herbert and Elizabeth Kraft. The Kraft family’s philanthropy was extremely generous to Red
Bluff. Mr. Kraft was a self made
man, landing in Red Bluff in 1852 with $2.50 to his name. He had apprenticed as a tinsmith with his later to be,
father-in-law in Louisville, Kentucky.
With that skill, hard work, great intelligence, and integrity he segued
his few dollars into a financial empire, operated from the heart of Red Bluff.
The great
great-Grandson, Herbert Kraft Walton shared some of the family stories and
history with me. He related a
picture of a couple who adored one another. When looking at the magnificent library Elizabeth had built
in memory of her husband it is not hard to believe. Mr. Kraft went back to Louisville, Kentucky and while he was
there, on his 30th birthday, married Elizabeth Kreuth on March 15,
1861. At just 18 years old, she
packed her belongings and left for California with her new husband the day
after they were married. What
incredible courage, faith and trust she had in her partner. They traveled by train, stagecoach and
perhaps ferry to reach Red Bluff where Mr. Kraft had a home being built for his
new bride. The Kraft family gave
much to Red Bluff and although the library has since moved, the beautiful
building Elizabeth had built is still part of Red Bluff’s heritage.
The building has
1908 carved in the pediment and dedication stone, however, the actual
completion and ceremonies entrusting the library to the community took place on
May 24, 1909. We are celebrating
the first 100 years of the Kraft building on September 25 and 26 as part of our
annual fall harvest open house. It
is with heartfelt thanks that we acknowledge all those who helped bring the
Kraft back to life, and all of you who have supported House of Design and the
Kraft, keeping us a part of the community.
For more information about the restoration, Kraft family
and the Kraft building please visit our web site www.shophouseofdesign.com.
Recent Comments