Page 100 - John Anderson

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notch, to Fabyans, the area where Ethan Allen had operated his inn.
Great difficulties and expenses were encountered due to the gain of
1,623 feet in elevation in the 30 miles between North Conway and
Fabyans. There is an average rise of 116 feet per mile for the 9 miles
between Bemis Station at the south end of the notch and Crawford
Depot.

Although three members of the Crawford family operated inns in
Crawford Notch, they did not operate the Crawford House. Tom
Crawford, operator of the Notch House, just to the west of Elephant's
Head, started to build a hotel then known as the Crawford House, in
1850. He apparently over extended himself financially and was
forced to sell the property before it was completed. The Notch House
was included in that sale.
Ebenezer Eastman, of Littleton, bought the property, completed the
hotel and expanded it just two years later. It was operated by Joseph
Gibbs for three years and it burned in 1859. The hotel was
immediately rebuilt and opened for the 1859 season. In 1870, the
hotel was sold to Asa Barron. Barron's company operated the hotel
until 1908. His company also operated other large hotels in the area.
The completion of the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad in 1875
greatly increased business. The Barron family were excellent

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