Edmund (Ned) Shank

Edmund (Ned) Shank

1956-02-19 2000-11-30
Ned Shank (February 19, 1956 – November 30, 2000) was an American essayist, historic preservationist, and the author of one children's book, The Sanyasin's First Day. He was married to the writer Crescent Dragonwagon and, with her, owned Dairy Hollow House, a country inn and restaurant in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The couple also co-founded the nonprofit Writer's Colony at Dairy Hollow.

A sixth-generation Bay Area native, Shank was born in Oakland, California, but grew up in Ames, Iowa, where he graduated from Ames High School in 1973. He attended Grinnell College, after which he served as an intern at The National Trust for Historic Preservation. He did historical research that guided the 1970s renovation of the Old State House in Little Rock.

He was posthumously made a Paul P. Harris Fellow, and an award was named after him: The Ned Shank Award for Excellence in Publication, given annually by the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas.

Ned, you were a gentle giant. Because of you, I found Crescent Dragonwagon. I have bought almost all of her books and found that you were a truly talented person. Your brother Matt was a friend of mine in Jr High. He helped me a lot. Reading Crescent's books, I learned even more of your gentle ways. Thank you Ned for giving me Cresent. Jane

tribute by Jane (Carlsen) Brandt

Ned, I had to get your wife, Crescent Dragonwagon, cookbooks. The stories she writes about you, and all you accomplished is so so fascinating. I felt like I was right there with you all in her writings. (I actually bought 3 of her books). I am so sorry that something that you loved to do, is what took you away from the life you loved living. In memory of Ned, Please, please watch out for bikers on the road. BE BIKE AWARE!

tribute by Jane (Carlsen) Brandt

Never forgotten!

tribute by Jane (Carlsen) Brandt

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