-
1907:
Eli Franklin Craven sold road building machinery built by
various manufacturers
-
1918:
Craven built his first office building (13,000 square feet) on
Morehead Avenue in Greensboro, NC
-
1925:
Craven built larger three-story building adjoining his
existing one and facing on Elm Street
-
1926:
Craven incorporated his business as E. F. Craven Company. His
son Franklin Duval Craven began working for him as a salesman
-
1964:
F. Duval Craven became President of the company after his
father's death
-
Nov. 1975:
E. F. Craven Company was sold to Brocar, Inc., retaining same
officers and employees. Company's name changed to EFC Associates, Inc.
-
1978:
F. Duval Craven retired
-
1993 Mar. 30:
Death of F. Duval Craven
Although Eli Franklin Craven founded the company named for him, the Craven family's involvement in the sale of road-building machinery began with his father Eli Asbury Craven (1824-1912). The elder Craven, a Methodist minister, sold farm and road machinery in Causey, NC before 1895. Around the turn of the century, both he and his son represented Acme Road Machinery, a company based in Frankfort, New York. Eli F. Craven sold machines produced by other companies as well, including Studebaker Brothers, Russell Grader Manufacturing Company, and John Deere Plow Company. Soon he became known to his customers as "E. F. Craven, the Road Machinery Man."
Craven's business flourished after the 1921 issuance of North Carolina's first road bonds. In 1926, after the incorporation of the company, Craven changed the slogan to "E. F. Craven Company, the Road Machinery Men," and sales totalled over $1,000,000.00. Eli Franklin Craven was manager. His son, F. Duval Craven, worked for the company as a salesperson.
During the 1940's, Franklin Duval Craven took an increasingly active role in the management of the company. Duval served as General Manager by 1948. At his father's death in 1964, he became the president of E. F. Craven Company. At this time, his brother Edwin Asbury Craven (1909-1966) was Vice-President and Treasurer. In 1977, F. Duval Craven gave up many of the operating responsibilities of the company. Charles A. Hines, Jr. became President and Chief Operating Officer.
In November 1975, F. Duval Craven sold the company to John J. Brogan of West Chatham, Massachusetts and Charles C. Carson of New York City (Brocar, Inc.), who changed the name to EFC Associates. The company retained the same officers and staff.
From the guide to the E. F. Craven Company Records, 1793-1991 and undated, bulk 1907-1965, (Duke University. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
