Crawford House Coach

The Crawford House Coach, one of Abbot-Downing's famous hotel coaches, was built about 1880. It was used at the Crawford House summer resort in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, named after Abel Crawford, who opened the first house in the White Mountains to accommodate travelers. By the 1880s the house had evolved from an overnight resting spot to an elegant summer resort where individuals of renown and families of wealth spent the season. Since the resort could not be reached by train, the Crawford Coach would meet travelers and guests at distinct stations and drive back over the narrow winding mountain roads. The coach also conveyed guests to nearby towns for annual coaching parades in which many resorts participated. The parades were considered the highlight of the season, and people came from miles around to view these colorful events. The coach's painting and trim are fine examples of Abbot-Downing craftsmanship. Gold-leaf lettering and outlining decorate the exterior. The hand-painted scenes on the door panels show the Crawford House surrounded by mountains, and a road through the mountains leading to the hotel. Seating capacity was for twenty-four, twelve inside and twelve on top. Luggage was stored on the rear rack or "cradle."