Story of Mecklenburg Presbytery Manuscript Collection, 1949-1962

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-2020-034

Staff Only

Content Description

Charles Raven Brockmann (1888-1970) was a notable man in Mecklenburg’s history, who co-owned and operated Brockmann’s Bookstore, served as Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Assistant Director, and managed the Library’s special collections and archive department. In addition to these roles, he was a talented writer who authored several notable works, to include The Hornets’ Nest, the Story of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, as well as the featured publication of this collection, Story of Mecklenburg Presbytery.

This collection contains Charles Raven Brockmann’s manuscript entitled Story of Mecklenburg Presbytery, correspondence from William E. Loftin to Dr. J. Cecil Lawrence, and an introduction essay written by W.E. Price. Materials are in good condition and dated 1949-1962.

Dates

1949 - 1962

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to the public without restriction. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to duplicate or publish material from this collection must be obtained from the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Biographical / Historical

Charles Raven Brockmann (1888-1970) was born on June 25, 1888 in Greensboro, NC to John Ludolph and Fannie E. Adams Brockmann. His brother, Herbert Victor Brockmann (1892-1949), along with the Legerton Company, opened Brockmann’s Bookstore in May 1915 located at 210 S. Tryon Street. The bookstore was famous for selling books, stationery, toys, novelties, magazines, office supplies as well as framing and engraving services. In 1917, Herbert and Charles took over interest in the store as Brockmann and Company. Together, they owned and operated the Brockmann Bookstore from 1917-1928, when the store closed.

Following the closure of the store, Charles accepted a position as the advertising manager of the H.W. Wilson Company in New York. He later went on to become the assistant director of the Mecklenburg County Public Library from 1943 to 1959. In 1956, he served as the first manager of the Library’s special collections and archive, known today as the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.

He wrote several books during this time, including The Hornets’ Nest, the Story of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, which he co-wrote with LeGette Blythe, as well as the featured publication of this collection, Story of Mecklenburg Presbytery.

Charles R. Brockmann died on March 3, 1970 in Charlotte, North Carolina and is buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, Georgia.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

0.17 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in chronological order.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The immediate source and date of acquisition for this collection is unknown.

Related Materials

Brockmann, Charles R. "Mecklenburg Presbytery: A history." Charlotte, NC: Office of the Executive Secretary, Mecklenburg PResbytery, 1962.

NCR Vertical File. Brockmann, Charles R.