Brown Cranna is a Hudson resident, originally from Greenport. He has held a career of 30+ years in design and antiques, and owns the antique shop Battle Brown on Warren Street. 

Brown begins his interview by describing his childhood in Greenport as part of a large family. His parents moved to Hudson from the Bronx in the 1950s. He shares his early curiosity about architecture, noting this as one of the features he loves about Hudson. He recalls several influential buildings, including the General Worth Hotel and a house on Partition Street, and mentions a mentor, George Jurgatis, who was significant to him as a young gay person. 

Brown discusses his move to New York City after high school and his early design career. In 2011, he began spending part of his time in Hudson. He speaks about opening his antique shop, Battle Brown, and the significance of being part of Warren Street, which he associates with many early memories. He describes a love for exploring that traces back to family Sunday drives during his childhood. 

Brown reflects on the welcome challenge of adapting to Hudson’s changes. Throughout the interview, Brown emphasizes the importance of family. He speaks about his older brother, William “Bill” Cranna, who passed away in 2011 and was an important and beloved figure in Hudson. Brown concludes by expressing appreciation for Hudson’s creative potential, natural beauty, and light. 

This interview may be of interest to those looking to learn more about LGBTQ+ communities in Hudson, the Cranna Family, changes in Hudson, Warren Street, and antiques and interior design in the Hudson Valley.