Members of the John Croft family and members and former members of the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild Board of Trustees gathered Wednesday afternoon, June 13, for a memorial celebration.

Shown from left are front row, kneeling, Christoper Lowe,  Sara Lowe,  Jennilyn Lowe,  Peter Lowe.

Second row: Steve Lowe, Leeanna Croft Lowe, John Croft, Carolyn Croft,  Lynn Corbin, Dick Corbin,  Georgia Mosser,  Sally Johnson, Barb Franzreb,  Marcia, Giordano, Carl Giordano , Ed Shook, Marje Shook,  and Stephanie Evans Wright.   

Following the death of former OACG President John Croft’s wife of many years, Phyllis, in September 2006, members of the “Old Board of Trustees” sought a fitting memorial by which to remember the “First Lady of the OACG.”  

They settled on a red oak tree to be planted in an open space in the Cambridge City Park across the street from the Croft family home, a home known as the “Corner House” because of its location. 

The tree was planted earlier this spring and a post was installed with the inscription: In loving memory of Phyllis Ann Croft 1931-2006 Ohio Arts & Crafts Guild Board of Trustees. 

The purchase of the tree and memorial plaque was underwritten by contributions by the trustees, many of whom wanted to view the memorial and share memories of Phyllis with John. 

To accommodate the trustees, John and his family hosted a memorial observance at the site of the tree planting Wednesday and then treated everyone to a light supper at a shelter in the park, the same park where the annual Salt Fork Festival is held. 

Speaking at the observance, John revealed that he has instructed his family not to visit his wife’s grave site but to visit with her in the park he and she both loved so much, a park in which a red oak is now growing as a natural monument to her. John has been caring for the tree and said he will continue to monitor its growth and health. 

OACG Treasurer Dave Crookston spoke for the officers and trustees at the observance, recounting how the memorial came into being. He also presented John Croft with a certificate honoring him with the designation of OACG President Emeritus.