Article in The Launceston Examiner Saturday 8 April 2006-07-23
Russell Arthur Craw was the youngest son of James Craw and his wife Jane Storey.
He was educated at Launceston High School before entering the drapery trade with his brothers. Trading as Craw Bros and Creed,they had stores on the West Coast but in 1895 after several firesthestores at Gormanston, Zeehan and Dundas were closed.
He moved to Longford where he traded for some 15 yearsbeforerelocating to Hobart, where he became proprietor of a guest house. Atthe time of his death he was living at Sandy Bay.
While living at Longford Russell took an interest in masonry and was the founder of Lake Lodge.
In 1920 Russell started his own business as amanufacturers’ representative and in 1930 took his son in as a partnerand the firm became known as R. S. Craw and Son.
Russell retired towards the end of 1943 and the firm was continued by Keith.
Russell died only 18 months later on 18 July 1943. His funeral was held at Cornelian Bay Cemetery and a service was also held at St Johns Presbyterian Church Hobart.
A well known Launceston Branch of the business was operated by James Leonard Craw from 1895 until his death in 1944 and later as J.L.Craw Pty Ltd. It was located at 153-155 Charles St Launceston.