COTTAGE 135 - Back to Book 3 Contributions
So how did the Crumps
find the Belvedere and ultimately Cottage 135? It started with my parents,
Marie Louise and Frank ̶ who were close Memphis friends of the
McCallums, Leathermans, and Orgills
̶ visiting in the mid-1960’s,
initially visiting the McCallums in 505. I subsequently visited my close friend
Robert McCallum, Jr., during our high school/college days.
My parents began renting
somewhat regularly in the late 60’s/early 70’s. The summer before Sherrill and
I were engaged in 1968, she made her first trip to the Belvedere when we
visited my parents, who were then renting the Forrester (Valier) cottage.
After college and a
3-year tour of duty in the Army, we returned to Memphis and decided on a summer
rental at the Belvedere. My dilemma was matching up my $650 per month salary
with a $600 two-week rental at Dieffenbach #222. (I believe I shared the
expense with dear friends who joined us on the trip.)
From that point in 1972
forward, we rented every year but one – mostly at 222, but eventually in a
majority of the cottages offered for rent. Certainly we must be one of the
longest rental families ever on the resort.
To some, “The Dieff” was
a bit primitive, but to our children it became the coziest place on the resort,
and Sherrill and I too were quite comfortable. Sherrill does remind me of the
several years when a washer and dryer were not part of the rental package, and
while I was on the golf course, she was at the laundromat. One of the great
acts of friendship was Chris Cunningham’s (Barrett) inviting Sherrill to use
her washer/dryer whenever she needed.
After my father died in
1984, Sherrill and I invited my mother (Baba) to spend a week with us. She
played a lot of tennis, and Mike Ware would frequently remind me of mother’s
demand to “Guard your alley, honey” when they were doubles partners. Mother
loved the Belvedere and her many Belvedere friends, and – well into her 90’s –
was spending weeks with us and often a week with her dear friend Elizabeth
Boyle in 139.
For years, “The Dieff”
was our annual headquarters, but in time it was not available to rent. Our last
three rentals were at the Heitner Cottage (#9). When we learned of their
proposed renovation, however, we suspected that their rental opportunity was
likely over. Perhaps tiring of the challenge of renting, Sherrill and I sadly
pondered the idea of exploring other vacation opportunities.
Then came the news of
#135…While we had not heard any of the “for sale” rumblings during our 2017 summer
stay, upon receiving the offering flyer while in Memphis, we decided to inquire
and made a quick and quiet trip up to tour the cottage. We made an offer, and
the rest is history. We did not even advise our children of our interest in
advance, as we did not want them disappointed should we not be the successful
bidder. Needless to say, they were overjoyed with the news.
Although my retirement allowed
us to spend more time up north, it was our family’s joy at having a cottage
that really made the purchase practical. Their love of the Belvedere and their
excitement to finally have a cottage of our own has created such great family
joy. Our nine grandchildren (ages 3 – 13) are enthusiastic gangsters and
Belvedere veterans. My prediction is they will continue for multiple
generations our family’s cherished tradition of summer life at the Belvedere.
What is it about the
Belvedere that sets it apart from the host of lovely vacation spots? In our
minds, the reconnecting with dear friends, the rich traditions of community and
shared summer experiences…all in such a picture-perfect setting with delightful
weather to boot.
With so many Crumps now
roaming the grounds, I offer the following to help those of you trying to
figure out “who goes with whom”:
Marie
Louise and Frank Crump
(1913-2014) (1909-1984)
׀
Sherrill
and Frank Crump
׀
Anne Ray (Michael) Frank Crump IV (Mimsie) Marie Louise Bowers (Trevor)
Sam,
William & George Frank & Peter
Evelyn,
Libby, Louise & Helen