Celebrating Success on the Grand Allee at Castle Hill

The Grand Allée on the Crane Estate

Last week I had my first “formal” Trustees experience, taking part in a celebration at one of our famed properties, Castle Hill at the Crane Estate. More than 200 friends of The Trustees of Reservations came together to recognize the completion of the Grand Allée and Casino, a three-year journey that was demanding and inspiring all at once. Striving to attend to history and yet looking forward can be very challenging. 

Board Chair David Croll, Board Member Nathan Hayward,
Barbara Erickson, & former President Fred Winthrop

Through the dedication of volunteers and staff, especially Cindy Brockway, our Cultural Resources Director, and Bob Murray, The Crane Estate's Superintendent, The Trustees restored this century-old landscape to its original beauty and charm. It took the tireless leadership of Board member Nathan Hayward, Board Chair David Croll, and so many others to see this project through to its wonderful completion. My sincere thanks to all who ensured our success. And, as you can see from these photos, thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, I know we honored their magnificent accomplishment in style.

It was a spectacular evening with amazing weather and great friends. The energy fit the environment and I am sure the Crane family would have been pleased. As I looked down the Grand Allée abuzz with guests towards the ocean in the distance, it reinforced that The Trustees are all about connecting people to place. With our iconic reservations like Castle Hill, we inspire people. This is incredibly special and even more so on a beautiful night to recognize the work of so many. Congrats to Castle Hill and our generous supporters on a fantastic, and important, achievement!

Rick Sullivan, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs addresses attendees.