History

Bolling Hall Crenshaw was a talented mathematician who authored several books on the subject. He spent most of his life at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University. He was a member of the Executive Triumvirate which was formed to govern API during the years of depression (1932-1935).
Dr. Crenshaw built this Victorian home in 1890 which stands across the street from Halliday-Pick house. The french colonial style raised cottage Halliday-Pick house was built before this region gained statehood. It was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Born in May 18, 1867 in Greenville, Alabama, married Willie Ella Glenn. They had 2 Daughters (Mary Glenn and Sarah Hall) The house built by Bolling Hall Crenshaw remained in the family up to 1942. At that time, it was sold to Hardie Family of Auburn.

William (Will) and Martha Hardie purchased the property in 1942. Will operated a nursery on the back of the property and Martha was an art professor at Auburn University. During the 40 years the Hardie's owned the property, Auburn University Students occasionally lived in the house. During their ownership, the property was converted into three separate apartments. After 40 years of ownership the Hardies sold the property.

Poorna "Peppi" and Fran Verma purchased the property in 1982.  Peppi, who earned a Masters in Engineering in Auburn, transformed the student rental property operated by Mrs Hardie, into what the Crenshaw House has become today.  Peppi's older brother Brahm, had lived in the house  in 1965 while earning his doctorate degree in engineering. Frances Speight Sugg Verma, grand daughter of Dean Cliff Hare, had close ties to the Auburn community. Cliff Hare was a colleague of Dr. Crenshaw. The football stadium bares Cliff Hare's name. Four years of hard labor were needed to restore this Victorian in conformance with Department Of Interior Guideline. The Crenshaw Guest House opened for business on May 20, 1985 and have had the privilege of hosting many very distinguished guests.

George and Lynn Postell purchased the house in July, of 2008. They intend to carry on the work of Peppi and Fran offering a alternative lodging alternative to Auburn visitors. Each Main House guestroom features accessories associated with a particular owner and their time at Auburn. George and Lynn, though from the south, have lived in Jacksonville, FL, Warminster, PA, and most recently, Ocean Pines, MD, very near the Atlantic Ocean. All four of the Postell children graduated from Auburn.   Don’t be surprised to be served breakfast by a Postell daughter, or see a Postell relative working in some capacity at the Crenshaw Guest House. In spite of living in Maryland the last 20 years, all four of the Postell children attend, or attended Auburn.  Son Mat graduated in '02, with Doug '06.  Stephanie ‘09 and Christina ’10.   George is a former Navy pilot, and active NASA pilot. Lynn, a life time lover of books, is a librarian.