County family's company gears up for Inauguration

He's been called the "President's Prop Man."

Earl C. Hargrove Jr., co-founder of a company that has planned the official events for inaugural celebrations since President Harry S Truman, is counting down the days until Jan. 20, when President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn into office.

On that day, hundreds of Hargrove Inc. workers will coordinate 10 inaugural balls, a prayer breakfast, three candlelight dinners, the official parade and audio-video services for the events.

The company's 135,000-square-foot, Lanham-based warehouse was bustling with activity last week.

Around one corner, a...