Portland, Oregon - Its History and Builders, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago-Portland, 1911
Page 640-3
LUTHER E. CROWE
Portland as the metropolis of the northwest coast has
attracted many of the brightest business men of the country-men of ambition
and discernment whose minds are capable of grasping problems as they arise
and who are always found in the front in anything they undertake. To this
class belongs Luther E. Crowe, who is identified with the automobile business
in this city. He was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1858, and at the age
of eight years went with his parents to California and was reared and educated
at Centerville near San Jose. After laying his text-books aside he entered
the railroad business and learned telegraphy, being employed for some years
as station agent at various points for railways in California, Oregon and
Montana.
In 1880 Mr. Crowe resigned his position at the key and
came to Portland and was placed in charge of the electrical blasting for
the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company under J. L. Hallett, superintendent
of construction for that road and the Northern Pacific, operations being
conducted between The Dalles and Portland. His next position was in Montana
in the same line of work under Julius Theilsen. He then went south to California
for a time but soon discovered that the northern country held out inducements
which older settled regions could not present. He therefore returned to Oregon
and became station agent at Hood River for the Oregon Railroad & Navigation
Company. Retiring from this position, he purchased the hardware business
of Abrahms & Stewart at The Dalles, Oregon, and after building it up
to a substantial basis sold out to the Waither Williams Hardware Company
in February, 1905.
Having in the meantime married, Mr. Crowe now set out
with his wife upon an extended tour of the United States and Canada, which
occupied an entire year. In the course of this trip he made many interesting
observations, among which was the phenomenal growth of the automobile business
and its possibilities as a permanent investment. Returning to Portland as
his home, he became associated with A. A. Graham and in 1907 they bought
out the Cook Motor Car Company and operated under the title of the Crowe-Graham
Motor Car Company. In 1908 he sold out his interest to Mr. Graham and with
H.A. Burgess established the Crowe Auto Company, which has the exclusive
agency for the Marion automobile and the Oldsmobile. The firm maintains a
completely equipped sales department and repair shop and its receipts from
the beginning have been highly gratifying, not only to the members of the
firm but to the manufacturing companies they represent.
In 1887 Mr. Crowe was united in marriage to Miss Eunice
Mays, a daughter of Judge Robert Mays, of The Dalles. Mr. Crowe is actively
identified with the Knights of Pythias and is past chancellor of Friendship
Lodge, No. 9, of The Dalles. He is also past exalted ruler of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 303, at The Dalles. In politics he
is a republican and while living at The Dalles he rendered efficient service
as member of the city council. He is an energetic and prosperous business
man, who has seen much of the world and has the spirit of independence that
would enable him to make his way anywhere. Although he has engaged only a
few years in the automobile business he has gained a large patronage, proceeding
as he always does upon the principle that "honesty is the best policy" and
a friend made in business is equal to an additional investment of cash capital.
Gentlemanly and courteous, he is capable and efficient in anything he undertakes
and the positions of honor he has held in fraternal organizations is evidence
of the esteem of his associates. He is a citizen who even under the stress
of adverse circumstances, should such occur, may be depended upon to uphold
his name and the interests he represents with dignity and honor.
[HOME]
© Jeffrey L. Elmer