Olivia Discon
Cinthia and I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for the Cafe Raven Exhibit at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. This special exhibit, titled “The Cafe Raven: Honoring Sam Houston,” celebrates the Cafe Raven and its nearly 40 years in business, its deep-rooted community support, and its unique relationship with the history of Sam Houston.
In the spirit of the occasion, Cinthia and I volunteered as 50’s-era servers. For the evening, we took on the personas of Betty and Erma, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun to the event.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the community come out to support this exhibit. From the University, General Glaser, Matt Bethea, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Hollie Garza, and Charlie Vienne; and, of course, those from the Museum: Derrick Birdsall, Jude Routh, Megan Buro, and Nancy Gahan; and from the Huntsville Community, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Jeff Murski, and Lee Jamison. Interestingly, Jamison, an accomplished artist, painted a replica of Cafe Raven’s signage for the occasion!
The Cafe Raven, which was located in downtown Huntsville, was named after Sam Houston’s Cherokee name, Colonneh, or The Raven. Opened in 1930, the cafe quickly became a beloved local institution. The current exhibit features rare photos of one of the restaurant’s founders, Abe Dabaghi, who later became its sole owner. His legacy of warm hospitality, civic involvement, and authentic French cuisine lives on through this exhibit. To our great surprise, some of Dabaghi’s family members, including his son Bill, were in attendance!
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cafe Raven was its role in Huntsville’s history. The restaurant served as the mess hall for Company F, the local army reserve unit, as it was being activated for World War II.
Additionally, the Cafe Raven was the first in Huntsville to offer air conditioning, a grand ballroom, and a neon sign, making it a trailblazer in many ways. It was a favorite among U.S. Senators, Congressmen, judges, civic luminaries, and other leaders.
The exhibit beautifully captures the essence of Cafe Raven’s impact on Huntsville. It’s not just about the delicious food and elegant ambiance; it’s about the stories and memories that were created within its walls. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s wonderful staff has done a fantastic job curating this exhibit, and it was an honor to be a part of it for the evening.
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the Cafe Raven Exhibit, I highly recommend it. It’s a journey through time, celebrating a cherished part of Huntsville’s history and honoring the legacy of Sam Houston.
The exhibition runs from May 21 to September 1, 2024, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Huntsville’s rich history.
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