Lulu Donnell Brown Crandall (1854-1931) was the daughter of a pioneer homesteader and merchant of The Dalles, Oregon. In the 1890s she developed an interest in local and Northwest history, apparently stimulated by a desire to prove that the youthful Northwest did have a history and traditions. From that time until her death, she collected information about Northwest history, especially the history of the Columbia Gorge area. Her interests were often anecdotal and filio-pietistic and her research depended heavily on uncertain reminiscences and memories, all of which were common among local historians active in her time. She was also involved in the organization of historical societies, in the preservation of historic buildings and in the collection of historical materials. Her correspondence indicates an acquaintance with many of the figures of the first generation of professional northwest historians, as well as the local amateurs with whom she shared most of her activities.
From the guide to the Lulu Donnell Crandall Papers, 1895-1929, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections)
