Correspondence

Abstract Harry Golden (1902-1981) was a well-known journalist, founder of the Carolina Israelite, best-selling author, and civil rights advocate for the oppressed. After a rocky career as a stockbroker, Golden moved to Charlotte in 1941 to pursue a career in journalism. This collection contains materials relating to his professional career, to include original manuscripts, photostats, research, correspondence, essays and articles on various subjects, and audio/visual materials. Materials are in good...

Abstract Henry Edward Cowan "Red Buck" Bryant (1873-1967) was a writer for the Charlotte Observer, Missoulian, The New York World, New York Herald, and Boston Herald. He is perhaps best known for his work on covering racial and political events, including Black migration to the north during World War I, failure of prohibition, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), and Democratic/Republican National Conventions. This collection contains materials from his professional and personal life, to include biographical...

Abstract Hugh Roy Smith (1908-1979) opened his first business, Cornelius Floral Gardens, in 1933. The business later became known as Smith’s Flowers and Nurseries, Inc. During his career, he grew and sold flowers through his shops in Cornelius and Mooresville and provided floral arrangements for weddings and pageants. He also participated in Southern Living Show exhibits and won awards for his displays. In addition to his work, Smith was active in his community as a chairman of the Cornelius...

Abstract

Israel Dorman was born in Russia on August 18, 1892 or 1893, to Benjamin and Goldie Buchrinsky Dorman, and was one of eight children. The family immigrated to America in 1906, arriving first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in Baltimore, Maryland. This collection contains clippings, correspondence, financials, military records, postcards, photographs, and negatives relating to his time in the military. Materials are dated 1918-c1939.

Abstract Camp Greene was a training camp for American soldiers during World War I, 1917-1918. Located about three miles west of uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, it quickly grew to surpass the size of the city, reaching 60,000 troops at its height. The majority of soldiers came from the northern states, in particular Massachusetts, and although segregated, included both black and white troops. The first troops arrived in September 1917, and continued until the armistice was signed on November 11,...

Abstract

This collection contains concert programs, advertistements and brochures,correspondence, newspaper articles, photographs, and A/V materials relating to Joseph Pritchard Little's involvement in the Charoltte Symphony Orchestra. Materials are dated 1908-2007.

Abstract

Kenneth Frederick Marsh (1901-1968) and his wife, Blanche Marsh (1902-1991), produced a number of books about different regions in the south, with "Charlotte, Carolinas' Queen City" being the focus of this collection. Collection materials include the proof for this book, as well as correspondence between some of Charlotte’s most prominent citizens: George M. Ivey, John Belk, W.T. Harris, Stan Brookshire, and Harold C. Dwelle. Materials are in good condition and dated c1966-1967.

Abstract Martha W. Evans (1910-1979) was the first woman elected to the Charlotte City Council, serving from 1955-1959. She later went on to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1963-1965, and the Senate from 1965-1970. As a legislator, Evans advocated for causes rooted in education and mental health, including a universal kindergarten system, licensing of day care centers, and supporting the educational needs of the mentally challenged. This collection contains documents,...

Abstract Mary Brevard Alexander Howell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1901, the only child of Sydenham B. Alexander, Jr. and Mary Watson Robertson Alexander. In 1922, Howell married Billy Shaw Howell, with whom she shared two sons, Sydenham Alexander Howell and Billy “Wool” Shaw Howell, Jr. Howell was very active in civic affairs. At various times, she was a board member for a number of charitable organizations including the Florence Crittendon Home and the Presbyterian Foundation. She...

Abstract Mary Lois Moore Yandle (1927-) is the author of "Spirit of a Proud People: Pictures and Stories of Highland Park Manufacturing Mill #3 and the People in the Village of North Charlotte." Highland Park Mill #3, built in 1904, was designed by the prominent architect Stuart Warren Cramer and is the only surviving Charlotte building still associated with him. It was Mecklenburg County’s largest single textile mill and the first all-electric mill in Mecklenburg County. The North Charlotte...

Abstract James Saxon Smith (1909-1982) served as the mayor of Charlotte from 1957-1961. His term coincided with the Charlotte sit-ins that began on February 12, 1960. Mayor Smith is credited with Charlotte’s official approach to integrating public areas in the city by establishing the “Mayor’s Friendly Relationship Committee” (MFRC) in response to sit-ins at various lunch counters in Uptown Charlotte’s department, variety, and drugstores. Smith appointed Dr. John R. Cunningham to chair the committee....

Abstract

This collection contains scrapbooks, artifacts, bulletins and newsletters pertaining to local ornithology clubs including the Carolina Bird Club, the Mecklenburg Audubon Society, Parks and Recreation and private individuals’ personal collections. Materials are in good condition and dated 1926-2017.

Abstract This collection spans items of political relevance for the Carolinas between 1885-2016. The collection consists primarily of sample voting ballots for Charlotte-Mecklenburg and campaign paraphernalia. Items of particular interest in this collection include: a ticket to the 1885 Grand Inauguration Ball for President Grover Cleveland; a poll book from 1928; a signed letter from Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his term as Governor of the State of New York; a souvenir program from the 1936...

Abstract The Hunter and Ranson families were two of the earliest families who settled in what was originally known as “Craighead.” In 1873, the town was renamed “Huntersville” for the Hunter family. These two families would join together through the 1890 marriage of William Joseph Ranson and Ellen Viola Hunter. The Ranson and Hunter families continued to influence the development of the Huntersville community throughout the 20th Century. The children of William and Ellen went on to serve their...

Abstract Richard Casanova (1918-1994) was a World War II veteran, paleontologist, and author, among other trades. Casanova played a heavy role in researching the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (Meck Dec). The provenance of these collection materials is unknown, but likely were donated by Casanova himself. Materials in this collection include audio-visual items on Meck Dec, documents relating to Latta Plantation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Charter Commission, and miscellaneous correspondence and...

Abstract

The "Robert Gerald 'Hank' Utley Baseball Collection, 1909-2000" consists of research materials gathered by Robert Gerald “Hank” Utley for his book, "The Independent Carolina Baseball League," which he co-wrote with Scott Verner in 1999.

Abstract

The "Ruth M. Kilgo and Ray E. Hall WWII Letter Collection, 1943-1946" is an extensive collection of V-Mail correspondence between Ensign Ruth M. Kilgo and Private Ray E. Hall. (By the time they were discharged, Kilgo rose in rank to Lieutenant Junior Grade, and Hall rose to Second Lieutenant.) Their letters discussed daily life, military happenings, their love for one another, and a variety of other topics. Collection materials are in good condition and dated 1943-1946.

Abstract

The Sanitary Steam Laundry was incorporated by the State of North Carolina in May 1909 and served the Charlotte community through 1974. This collection contains documents with information on cost estimates for resources, floor plans, finances, correspondence, receipts, news clippings, and meeting minutes. Materials are dated 1909-1962 and in good condition.

Abstract The Southern Radio Corporation operated from 1930-1998 as a distributor of radios, record players, televisions, and home appliances. Its clients were independent electronics dealers throughout the Southeast. Its first quarters were in the J.A. Jones building on 208 S. Tryon St., but it relocated to 1625 W. Morehead St. in 1950, and remained there until closure. This collection contains minute books, ledgers, business records, manuals, promotional materials, photographs, newspaper...

Abstract 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...

Content Description The Victor Shaw Jr. Papers consist primarily of letters written by U.S. Army officer Victor Shaw Jr., a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, while he was deployed overseas during World War II. The first letter was written in October 1944 while Shaw was still Stateside preparing to depart and conclude just before his return in June 1945. He wrote home frequently to his father, Victor Shaw Sr.; mother, Elsie Shaw; and younger sister Elsie. His letters avoid details of battle, instead...

Abstract Walter Wilford Kale (1897-1983) was born in Cleveland County, NC and moved to Charlotte with his family at a young age. In 1925, he partnered with his brother, Walker, and A.J. Lawing to form the Kale-Lawing Company. Their company sold office supply products from its storefront on 227 South Tryon Street until the 1980s. The papers in this collection include financial and business records, correspondence, genealogical information, photographs, awards, and records relating to the...

Abstract The Wilkes-Smedberg Papers is a collection of letters sent to and from John “Jack” Wilkes (1827-1908) and his wife, Jane “Jeanie” Renwick Smedberg Wilkes (1827-1913). Through family connections they were related to some of New York City’s most prominent families, including the Jeffreys, Wilkes, Auchincloss, Brevoort, Irving, among many others. Jeanie is well-known for her efforts in fundraising for St. Peter's Hospital (for the white community), and Good Samaritan Hospital (for the Black...

Abstract

Created in August 1965, WTVI (also known as PBS Charlotte) is the public service television station that serves Charlotte, North Carolina. This collection contains newspaper clippings, VHS tapes, and internal documents from WTVI Citizens Committee, which are comprised of private citizens appointed by the school board to help determine programming for the education channel WTVI. Materials are dated 1968-1998 and in good condition.

Content Description This collection contains materials relating to the Wyche Family. Collection materials are dated 1714-1956, with 1714 as an outlier and a bulk of the materials from the early to mid-20th century. Materials are arranged in 11 series:Series 1: Manuscripts, include biographical sketches of members of the Wyche and Tillett families, lineage, and obituaries.Series 2: Birth and Death Dates, include birth and death dates for members of the Wyche family. These documents...