CU’s ‘Yellow Brick House’ dedicated as Mary Colvin Crabtree Guest House

Drew August 15, 2015 0 Comments

Original Source – Summer 2015 – Page 7

six people in front of yellow brick house — Everett and Rose Colvin stand in front of the new “Mary Colvin Crabtree Guest House,” which is named in honor of their late daughter. From left are faculty members from Campbellsville University’s School of Business and Economics, where Everett worked as a professor: Dr. Vernon Roddy, professor of economics; Jennifer Graham, instructor in business and assistant to the dean for the School of Business and Economics; Everett; Rose; Davaajargal Dorjsuren, instructor in business administration and international business advisor; and Joe Foster, assistant professor of business and economics. (CU Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

older man in suit at podium — Everett Colvin gives thanks at the renaming of the “Yellow Brick House” to the “Mary Colvin Crabtree Guest House” in honor of his late daughter. (CU Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

On a cool and sunny afternoon on April 28, tears were shed at Campbellsville University’s dedication of the “Yellow Brick House,” when it was renamed the Mary Colvin Crabtree Guest House.

“Mary always had a smile. This house reminds me of her so much. We are so honored for this event. Thanks to everyone involved,” Everett Colvin, former CU business professor and alumnus, said with a smile and tears.

“We gather here to express our appreciation for Rose and Everett Colvin for the way they have chosen to remember their daughter, Mary Colvin Crabtree,” Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of CU, said.

Carter said a great Christian university is known by her hospitality, and CU is committed to providing a warm and caring environment for her guests.

“Thank you to two individuals who wanted to make a lasting contribution for CU to be the type of institution known for her hospitality,” he said.

Pam Tennant, student center coordinator, spoke of two great loves: the Colvins and the house. CU acquired it 11 years ago and rented it out to several people, including Tennant and her husband, Otto, vice president for finance and administration, who had always wanted to go through the house.

“While I was here, I began to love this house with a passion,” she said.

During her time there, she began fixing it up, bringing in her own furniture while their new house was being worked on.

woman holding out food to man and woman who are sitting down — Pam Tennant gives her cooked goods to the Covins. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

“By the time we were ready to move out, there was talk of turning this house into a dorm. I thought ‘Oh, no!’ and came up with an idea for a guest conference house,” she said.

Other ideas included using it as CU’s School of Nursing.

The Tennants had known the Colvins for years from church and living close to each other on Lebanon Avenue, admiring each other’s historical houses. The Colvins eventually moved to Missouri to be with Mary during her final days, and stayed to be with their granddaughter.

“They loved Campbellsville and this house,” she said.

She said they loved the house due to how unusual it was and its history, being the first house built on farmland, with the yellow brick coming from Pennsylvania.

smiling woman inside golden picture frame on table — Mary Colvin Crabtree

Tennant said the Colvins bought new countertops and beadboarding to match the original walls. They also helped to build a new carport and driveway.

“They’ve been a wonderful family to run this house,” Tennant said.

Benji Kelly, vice president for development, said the house has served CU well.

“I know you love this place, and I know your daughter would be proud,” Kelly said.

After the dedication, the Colvins hung a picture of Mary inside the house.

Carter said CU is deeply appreciative to the Colvins for allowing CU to participate in the memory of Mary, and he hoped when people entered the house they would know “how precious, wonderful and a beautiful person she was.”