A Lincoln Portrait Unveiling at the Willard Hotel

[Jim Garrett]

One of the people giving a few remarks, Oliver T. Carr, Jr. is the President of the Oliver T. Carr Co., one of the largest commercial developers in Washington. Oliver's brother, Dick worked for the Oliver T Carr Co. , but also had a architectural preservation and restoration company. Back in the 1980's when it was decided to re-develop the Willard property back into a world class hotel, Dick bid on the job, but was outbid. The winning bidder ultimately went bankrupt and Dick's company finished the job and did a spectacular job. Dick also wrote the definitive book on the history of the Willard. Sadly, Dick passed away from blood cancer about three years ago. Dick was my brother's best friend growing up and they kept in close touch over the years. It is fitting that Oliver will talk about the Willard.