Programs

Abstract The American Association of University Women (AAUW) had its first meeting in 1881 in Boston, Massachusetts. Marian Talbot and Ellen Richards, along with fifteen alumnae from eight colleges, met to discuss the needs of college-educated women. Dedicated to promoting equality and education among women and girls, the AAUW has over 170,000 members and supporters, 1000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners (as of 2015). The Charlotte branch of the AAUW began in 1913...

Abstract Founded in 1896, the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is a national professional association that serves the organ and choral music fields. As an educational and service organization, AGO seeks to “foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.” This collection contains materials relating to the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1956-1969. Examples of documents include correspondence, newsletters, newspaper...

Abstract

The Athenae Book Club was a women’s book club that studied various subjects through reading, lectures, and poetry. The book club had a monthly theme that the discussion was centered around. Each meeting was hosted by a different member.

This collection contains Athenae Book Club programs dated 1905-1950, a newspaper clipping, and three sets of reading notes. Materials are in good condition.

Abstract The Au Courant Book Club was organized in October 1931 and met monthly in the homes of its members. Their meetings were advertised regularly in the Charlotte Observer. They held an annual Christmas party in which the husbands were honored guests. The club frequently had guest speakers at their meetings or had outings. This collection contains programs dated 1934-1954. Each monthly program contains discussion topics, officers, committee members with their addresses, telephone...

Abstract

The Carolina Concert Series Collection contains programs from the Community Concert Association (1983-1989), Theater Charlotte (1998-1999), Charlotte Community Concert Association (1989-1994), and Carolinas Concert Association (1994-2004).

Abstract

This collection spans items related to the John C. and Ruth Kilgo family, as well as Charles Paty. The Kilgos were residents of Mecklenburg County and active members of the community. Charles Paty is a World War II veteran and was a friend of the Kilgo family. Both the Kilgos and Paty lived in the Plaza Midwood area of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Materials include: Clippings, Correspondence, Ephemera, Postcards, Printed Materials, Rosters, Negatives, and Photographs.

Abstract

The Charlotte Opera Association was founded in 1949 by a group of professional and amateur lovers of opera. Financing for the Charlotte Opera came through local and federal government contributions, the Arts and Science Council, and patron donations. The Association was renamed Opera Carolina after merging with North Carolina Opera in 1986, and as of 2019, remains as the largest opera company in the Carolinas.

This collection contains opera programs dated 1975-1990.

Abstract

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1932. It is the largest and most active professional performing arts organization in the central Carolinas. The Charlotte Symphony also includes small ensembles of musicians such as the Flute Club and two Youth Orchestras, among others. Some of these small ensembles perform outreach services to local hospitals, and other organizations.

This collection consists of programs, ASID House booklets, and newspaper clippings.

Abstract The Cranford Book Club is Charlotte’s oldest book club, organized in 1891. Fourteen prominent Charlotte ladies began the club, including Mary Anna Morrison Jackson. Mrs. Josephine Durant served as its first president. The ladies selected the name of their club from Elizabeth Gaskell’s popular book Cranford, and chose the motto “fun as well as study.” The club’s objectives are focused on two areas: “circulating the best in current literature among the membership, and selecting an annual topic...

Abstract The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a national society of women dedicated to historical preservation, promoting of education, and encouraging patriotic behavior. Founded in 1890, DAR actively participates in diverse service projects that focus on preserving cultural heritage, such as maintaining historical sites and memorializing historical figures and events through erection of monuments. This collection contains 22 paperback programs and yearbooks printed by various chapters...

Abstract The Hood Family Bible was given to Lester Alexander Puckett (of Puckett’s Meats) and Alice Goodrum Puckett by Raymond V. Hood Sr. and Pauline Jane Puckett. Lester Alexander Puckett was the son of James Puckett and Violet Davidson Alexander, Violet being the great-granddaughter of John McKnitt Alexander. Dates of birth, marriage, and death may be found in the Bible. Other miscellaneous genealogical information is found in this collection as well, but through newspaper clippings and other...

Abstract Elizabeth College was a four-year college for women, founded in 1896. It was located at what was then the end of Elizabeth Avenue, on property that had been the old Torrence homestead. Due to the Watts family’s large donation to the college, college president Dr. Charles B. King named it for his mother-in-law, Ann Elizabeth Watts. It was under the charge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, whose objectives were to provide a broad education for women in the classics, mathematics, and...

Abstract

The Ex Libris Book Club was organized in 1928 by a group of ten women. This collection contains annually distributed programs with information on monthly gatherings. Each program contains discussion topics, officers, and committee members with their addresses, telephone numbers, meeting date, hostess, and presenter. Materials dated 1933-1998 and arranged in chronological order.

Abstract First Ward Elementary, today (2020) known as First Ward Creative Arts Academy, is located at 715 North Caldwell Street in one of the oldest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods in uptown Charlotte. Originally built in 1900 and named North School, it was one of three schools in Charlotte’s first public school system; the others were the South School, and Myers Street School, for African-American children. First Ward is the only one of the three still operating on the same site, although...

Abstract

The Fortnightly Book Club was organized in the early twentieth century to discuss books on a variety of topics. This collection contains notebooks and programs relating to the Fortnightly Book Club. The notebooks consist of meeting minutes and general notes about the members, what they were reading, and where/what time they met. In the programs, information covered the clubs officers, program committee, members, hostess, and book lists. Materials in this collection are dated 1925-1967.

Abstract Named in honor of Superintendent Harry Patrick Harding, Harding High opened in September 1935, on Irwin Avenue, in Charlotte. The building remained a high school until 1961, when the Irwin Avenue building was designated a junior high school. The high school was moved to Alleghany Street and was re-named Harding University High School in 1992.This collection contains teacher and student materials relating to Harding High School, to include school newsletters, commencement...

Abstract John Paul Lucas, Jr. (1908-1979) was a journalist, educator, and a Duke Power executive in Charlotte, North Carolina. For 35 years he served as Vice President of Public Affairs for Duke Power. He worked at the Charlotte News and the Charlotte Observer newspapers. His collection contains concert programs and church service programs from various churches in the Charlotte area, New York, Boston, and Atlanta. A majority of the concert programs are for organ recitals. Materials are dated...

Abstract

The objective of the Los Tiempos Book Club was to foster the culture and entertainment of its members. The programs and programs found in this collection include the names of the book club members, dates and locations for the meetings, a list of the books exchanged, and a copy of the constitution and by-laws. Materials are dated 1951-1970.

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

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) is a national organization that was founded in 1891. Its members actively seek to inspire patriotism through historic preservation, education, and patriotic service. NSCDA focuses its organizational efforts on sparking interest in our nation’s founding and development, and colonial history. This collection contains bound annual reports published by the North Carolina chapter of NSCDA dated 1912-1939.

Abstract

The Pro Re Nata Book Club was organized in early 20th century. It was the outgrowth of a sewing club consisting of young women between the ages of 17 and 19. This collection contains a multi-page document outlining the history and intentions of the Pro Re Nata Club, as well as annual club programs dated 1906-1953. In each program there is a list of members and information about discussions and discussion leaders. Materials are dated 1906-1953.

Abstract

The Sesame Book Club was organized on February 27, 1951 in Charlotte, NC to discuss general culture and current event topics. Membership was set at 16 and new members were only accepted by unanimous ballot. Meetings were held on the last Friday of each month at a member’s home. Mrs. L.L. Autry was the club’s first president.

This collection contains annual programs dated 1956-1973, with information on book selections, members, officers, and By-Laws.

Abstract

The Sorosis Book Club was a professional women's book club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Each program contains discussion topics, officers, committee members, addresses, telephone numbers, meeting dates, hostess, and presenter. Materials are dated 1906-1936.

Abstract The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) is one of the world’s largest nondenominational women’s volunteer service organization. As of 2019, there are approximately 140 clubs in North Carolina. GFWC and its state clubs are active in many areas of service, including the arts, conservation, education, homelife, outreach, public issues, and leadership. This organization provides opportunities for women of all ages and backgrounds to develop skills that will advance them in their...

Abstract

The United Confederate Veterans organization was founded in 1889 to unify the all of the separate groups of confederate veterans, provide relief for veterans and their families, and erect monuments. Reunions were held each year in various southern locations, with the last held in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1951 (as of 2016).

This collection includes artifacts, documents, newspaper clippings, and publications. Materials are dated 1861-1932.

Abstract This collection contains records from the following local book clubs: Dolly Madison Book Club, Bessie Dewey Book Club, Friday Afternoon Book Club, Lily Long Reading Society, Richard Tiddy Club, As You Like It Book Club, Current Topics Book Club, Renaissance Book Club, The Reviewers Book Club, Parnassus Book Club, Cover to Cover Book Club, The Quest Club, Panoramic Book Club, Veritas Book Club, El Viernes Book Club, John Charles McNeill Book Club, Entre Nous Book Club, Kosmos Book Club,...

Abstract The Virginia Dare Book Circle was first organized in 1893 with twelve members. The book circle chose a different topic to study for each year and met every two weeks to discuss. The Virginia Dare Circle was formed as a social, literary, and historical women’s club. The Club was organized to educate women on notable women in North Carolina’s history while providing a place for socializing and community building.This collection contains programs, papers, and minutes dated...