Photographs

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 Central High School opened c1908 as Charlotte High School and was located at Elizabeth Avenue and Cecil Street (now Kings Drive). It the first public high school in Charlotte. In 1923, the school was renamed Central High School, which became part of Central Piedmont Community College's campus c1963. This collection contains materials relating to the Central High School Class of 1947, to include newspaper clippings, photographs, and documents. Materials are dated 1947 and in good...

Abstract Charles Crutchfield (1912-1998) started his career as an announcer and radio programmer for a variety of radio stations in the Carolinas. In the 1933 he joined the WBT staff, where he became famous for putting together the “Briarhoppers.” Crutchfield stayed at the station and its parent company until retiring in 1977 as president of the Jefferson-Pilot Broadcasting Company. He was also active in a number of professional and civic organizations, to include: a U.S. State Department appointment...

Abstract The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) is “a multi-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a political power base designed to achieve equality for all women.” This group was founded in July 1971 in order to increase the number of women in all aspects of political life. The Charlotte Women’s Political Caucus also began in the early 1970s, and some of its founding members included Betty Chafin Rash,...

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This collection contains documents that cover Mrs. Cornelia Beery Fore’s (Mrs. J.A. Fore) work as the historian for the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It consists primarily of historical research and collected testimonies pertaining to the United States Civil War as well as genealogical research into Fore’s own lineage. Included as well are letters and other documents from the life of her daughter, Ms. Cornelia (Cornie) Fore. Materials are dated 1864-1944 and are in good condition.

Abstract The Country Club Acres Garden Club was organized in 1958. The club’s flower was the Dogwood, and their colors were pink and white. The group met on the third Thursday of each month at 8pm to discuss club matters and gardening techniques. The purpose of the club was to improve the member’s knowledge of horticulture and to beautify their homes and gardens, thus beautifying their neighborhoods and community. The members referred to the club as a “learning club” because many of those involved...

Abstract Donald Ralph Martin was born to Otis R. and Eva Lena Griffey Martin on September 16, 1917, in Malvern, Iowa. Martin was an Army photographer during World War II and served as a staff photographer in Camp Butner, North Carolina. Following the war’s end, Martin moved to Charlotte, and began working for the Tom Franklin Studio, which also served as the photographers for the Charlotte News. This collection contains Martin's photographs, correspondence, and newspaper clippings. Materials are in...

Abstract The Downs/McCachren and Cappiello/Piscitelli Collection contains a variety of materials for the Downs, McCachren, Cappiello, and Piscitelli families. The Downs and McCachren families have been longtime residents of Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties, while the Cappiello and Piscitelli families came from Italy and settled in New Haven, Connecticut. Anthony Piscitelli settled in Charlotte after marrying Alice McCachren in 1947. Members of these families for whom materials may be...

Abstract The Dulin Family Papers consists of a variety of materials from the family of Thomas Leroy “Lee” Dulin (1842-1914). Thomas Dulin married Sarah C. Pharr (1841-1881) in 1862, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and their children were: Harvey C. (1864-?), John Walter (1867-?), Lula Ellen (1869-1957), Cornelia Vashti (1871-1951), Sallie Wilson (1873-1956), and Ella Elizabeth (1878-1960). This collection contains books, clippings, diaries, documents, and photographs. Materials are dated...

Abstract On September 11, 1974, Eastern Air Lines, Inc., Flight 212, crashed just short of the runway at Douglas Municipal Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. En route from Charleston to Charlotte, the flight’s concluding destination was supposed to be Chicago. Thick fog reduced visibility, and on approach, the aircraft slammed into the ground, skidded, ran into thick woods, and burst into flames. Of the 82 occupants, thirteen survived the initial crash and fire. Three succumbedto their injuries in...

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 Everett Blackmon is a native Charlottean who attended West Charlotte High School and Johnson C. Smith University. He worked for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for over 40 years in various positions, but currently (2023) serves as the Access Services Manager at the University City Regional branch. In addition to his career with the Library, he is a self-taught photographer and founder of Winning Images Photography, specializing in capturing local history as it happened. This collection...

Abstract Joseph Pritchard Little was born on July 16, 1919, in Central, South Carolina, to Boyd William (1880-1940) and Pearl Pritchard Little (1889-1976). In 1921, the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Boyd was employed as an electrical engineer with Duke Power. Following his graduation, Little attended Duke University, following in his father’s footsteps by majoring in electrical engineering. He returned to Charlotte in 1939, having decided not to pursue this as a career. Instead,...

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 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 Hoyt R. Galvin (1911-1995) grew up in Iowa. He was educated at Simpson College and the University of Illinois and went on to pursue a long and influential career in librarianship. He developed particular authority and influence as an expert on library building programs. Galvin served as director of the Charlotte Public Library from 1940 to 1970 and was also active in civic affairs in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following his retirement from the Charlotte Public Library, Galvin continued to be...

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 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 John Price Carr was born in November 1854 in the Hopewell community. Carr’s father died while he was still young, and he left school to help support his family. Carr quickly rose to become a leader in the First Ward community, owned a thriving moving company, and helped rescue Presbyterian Hospital following a devastating fire. Carr died from pneumonia in April 1927. His home, built in 1904 and known as the J.P. Carr house, can be seen at 200-206 North McDowell Street in Charlotte. ...

Abstract This collection contains familial papers of the Lemmond family. Members of the Lemmond family mentioned include John Lemmond, J.B. Williamson, Mark hudson Lemmond, Delia Ann Irwin Lemmond, Mary Adeline Lemmond, Walker Lemmond, Margaret Lemmond, Mamie Lemmond, Willie Mae Lemmond, Sara Henrietta Kirkpatrick Lemmond, R.W. Irwin, Margaret Williamson Lemmond, and Avery Baxter Lemmond. Examples of materials are newspaper clippings, documents,and photographs. Collection materials are dated...

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 Maurice W. Biggers (1892-1962), a resident of Union and Mecklenburg counties, served in World War I in both France and Germany from 1918-1919. He was a machinegunner in France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and later moved to Germany where he was “in charge of schools” for the military. In 1919 he returned stateside, where he played a large role in the field of education as a principal and educator. He further invested in his community through dedicated service in the Post Office...

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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.

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Michael Blair is a Charlotte businessman who specializes in Real Estate. His collection contains a variety of local history memorabilia and family photographs. Materials are dated 1847-1949 and are in good condition.

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Midwood Elementary School was established c1934. Originally called the Lawyers Road School, the school was located at 1817 Central Avenue in what is now known as Plaza Midwood. The building underwent several renovations, and eventually Midwood Elementary School closed. This collection contains a scrapbook dated 1940-1960. Scrapbook contents include photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, and other miscellaneous materials relating to Midwood Elementary School.

Abstract The Penguin Dance Club was founded in 1952 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first executive committee included: Fay and Stan Springs, Carmen and Bill Williams, Ouida and John Spillman, Virginia and Paul Hollas (who also served as first presidents), and Rachel and David Hackney. The Penguin Dance Club held annual business meetings and hosted themed dance events throughout the year. After suffering from declining membership, the Penguin Dance Club merged with the Charlotte Dance Club in...

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Ralph Johnson (1904-2001) was a prominent Black businessman in Davidson, North Carolina. He owned and operated Johnson's Barber Shop on Davidson's Main Street from 1921-1971, where he served many Davidson College students, community leaders, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. This collection contains materials relating to his life and career, mostly consisting of photographs. Other items include biographical information as well as published articles. Materials are dated c1921-c1971.

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...