A new display on the second floor of the library honors the life of Crawfordsville native Joseph Stephen Crane. A visual representation of Crane's life, the display features high school and college yearbooks, 1937 Wabash College items, memorabilia from Crane's famous restaurants and films and much more.
We are still collecting information and material on Joe Stephen Crane! If you have anything to offer, please contact Emily in the Reference Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
Phone: 362-2242/Email: ref@cdpl.lib.in.us
Don't know who Stephen Crane was?
Joseph Stephen Crane was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on February 7, 1916 to Mr. And Mrs. William E. Crane. The Crane family lived at 205 West Pike Street and owned the Stephenson Crane Cigar Store on 107 S. Washington from the 1920s through the 1940s. Stephen Crane, who preferred to be called Joe in his youth, was voted Most Attractive his senior year at Crawfordsville High School and was active in drama and debates. He attended and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business from Wabash College in 1937. At Wabash, Crane was a stage manager for the Scarlet Masque as well as an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
A few years after graduation, Stephen Crane moved to California and gained fame after marrying glamorous movie star Lana Turner in 1942. An infamous annulment and remarriage to Turner caused Crane's name to appear in newspapers with frequency. An attempt at a film career ended after three movies, but the Oscar-nominated Tonight and Every Night featured Crane alongside screen goddess Rita Hayworth. While many recall that Crane was the father of Turner's only child, Cheryl, and locals fondly remember the week Lana Turner stayed in Crawfordsville to tour her husband’s hometown, much has been forgotten about Crane's life after his marriage to Lana Turner.
Stephen Crane successfully transformed himself into a charming host and well-regarded owner of The Luau, Kon-Tiki, and Ports o' Call restaurants in the early 1950s. Patronized by celebrities, the Luau became the hotspot of 1950s and 60s nightlife. Crane owned and operated all of his restaurants through his company, Stephen Crane Associates. He was known for his whimsical approach to the Polynesian restaurant theme and his close eye to detail in his designs.
A small town boy who cultivated himself into a respected restaurateur,
Stephen Crane died on February 6, 1985 in Pauma Valley, California. Per his wishes, he was buried alongside his parents in Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville.
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