USA > North Carolina > Mecklenburg County > Charlotte > Charlotte in picture and prose : an historical and descriptive sketch of Charlotte, North Carolina > Part 3
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children, while the Charlotte Crittenton Home is doing noble work. A handsome Carnegie Library finds abundant patronage from a book-loving community; and Charlotte has also (which is rarely found), a free library for negroes. Literary, musical, and patriotic organizations flourish. Three daily papers, the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte Chronicle and The Charlotte News, besides other pub- lications, semi-weekly, weekly, and monthly, have large circulation. Fraternal and Benevolent Associations represent almost every order known in the United States. Among clubs organized for business and social purposes the leading ones are the Southern Manufacturers' and the Colonial, both of which occupy elegant apartments and num- ber many members. Handsome public buildings add greatly to the attractiveness of Charlotte. Notable among these are, the United States Assay Office, bearing upon its front a large gilded American eagle with outspread wings ; the government building of red pressed brick with granite trimmings, constructed at a cost of $85,000.00, and containing the Post-Office, Federal Court rooms, and Weather Bu- reau : the City Hall, built of North Carolina brown stone, a handsome and commodious structure ; and the county court house of terra-cotta and brick, of picturesque architecture and beautifully situated. The Academy of Music, a theater of artistic plan, and with a large seating capacity, affords much diversion throughout the theatrical season. Among many handsome office buildings, those owned by the Piedmont Fire Insurance Company, the Southern States Trust Company and the Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company, are of large proportions, and elegant in design and ornamentation.
The spirit of militarism has always been a prominent feature of Charlotte life. Three organizations of this nature existing in the city are the Hornet's Nest Riflemen, First Field Artillery, and the Charlotte Drum Corps. During the Spanish-American war two companies of white soldiers and one of negroes en- listed from Charlotte
A liberty-loving and history-reverencing people. the people of Charlotte and the community around unite in commemorating the anniversaries of great events. On May 20, 1875, the Centennial Celebra- tion of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
Highland Park Mfg. Co. Louise Cotton Mill. No. 1
was held and was a noteworthy occasion. Many prominent speakers from North Carolina, and also from other states, had a place on the program; the attendance was record-breaking and patriotism was kindled anew. On May 20, 1898, the handsome monument which stands in front of the county court-house, and erected to the memory of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration, was unveiled by eight of their descendants, in the presence of a great crowd which had gathered from many sections of the country to do honor to the day. Ex-Vice-President Adlai Ewing Stevenson, himself of Meck- lenburg ancestry, was orator on this occasion. The 20th of May was celebrated most elaborately in 1906, four days being given over to a gala season. The city was resplendent in decorations of flags and tri-colored bunting, many large government flags adding no little to the effect and attractiveness. By night the beauty of scene was enhanced by hundreds of tiny electric lights. The Marine band of Washington, D. C., one company of United States cavalry, two of infantry, and one of marines, were sent by President Roosevelt to take part in the celebration, and evidenced the official recognition of the Mecklenburg Declaration by the United States Government. This, however was not the first recognition of the Mecklenburg Declaration by President Roosevelt; in a speech de- livered in Vance Park on the evening of October 19, 1905, referring to 'North Carolina's achievements in the past, he said : "I congratu- late you even more upon the great historic memories of your state. It is not so very far from here that the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was made-the declaration that pointed out the path on which the thirteen United Colonies trod a few months later." In May, 1902, there was unveiled, with appropriate exercises, a monument erected on the grounds of the government build- ing, in memory of Lieutenant William E. Shipp, at one time a citizen of Charlotte, who fell in battle at San Juan during the Spanish-American war. A monument to the Confederate dead in Elin- wood Cemetery stands in the midst of a square where lie buried many Confederate soldiers. On every Ioth or May, which is observed as Memorial Day, appropriate exercises are held, and a great concourse of people, including Meck- lenburg Camp of Confederate Veterans, the Stonewall
Highland Park Mig. Co. Louise Cotton Mill. No. 2
Jackson Chapter of Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Vete- rans, and Julia Jackson Chapter of Children of the Confederacy, gather to pay tribute to the dead, and to place offerings of flowers upon their graves
Iron tablets mark various historic places in the city : namely, the center of Independence Square, where stood the old court-house in which was signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence ; the place where stood the house in which Cornwallis had his headquar- ters; the site of the inn at which General Washington was enter- tained; and the spot where President Davis was standing when handed a telegram which announced the assassination of Lincoln, The Mecklenburg Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has placed a monument at the McIntyre farm, in commemoration of the bravery of Mecklenburg men in the skirmish which took place there during the Revolution. This Chapter has erected a monument marking the site of the house, eleven miles south of Charlotte, in which President James K. Polk was born; and has also marked the birth-place of President Andrew Jackson-it was originally in the southeastern part of Mecklenburg, though now included in Union County.
A period of general interest is the Mecklenburg County Fair, held annually, in October, at the grounds of the Mecklenburg Fair Asso- ciation south of the city.
The city is governed by a mayor and a board of aldermen ; it has also a board of school commissioners, police, fire, and health commis- sioners, a tree and park commission, a recorder who presides over the municipal court, and other boards and committees looking to the best interests of the community. The Fire Department and water works are owned by the city.
Cotton Pickers Returning Home
The leading hotels are the Central, Buford, and Selwyn; the last named, which is an exceedingly handsome structure and up-to-date in every respect, derived its name from Lord George A. Selwyn, a Lord Proprietor, in Colonial times, of this part of North Carolina. The Southern and Seaboard Air Line railway systems afford good railroad facilities, and are important factors in the develop- ment of Charlotte.
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Scenes at Springdale Dairy Farm
From Independence Square, electric lines are reaching out in every direction along wide avenues lined on either side with beautiful shade trees, and over well-kept streets. Suburban sections, through the instrumentality of these electric lines which give greater accessibility, are rapidly building up, and the city is continually extending. Dil- worth, Elizabeth Heights, Piedmont Park, and Myers Park, are especially attractive as residence localities. Belmont, Highland Park, Atherton, and Chadwick, are among the most progressive sub- urban mill settlements.
Dilworth and Latta Park are named in honor of the President of the Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company, Mr. Edward Dil- worth Latta, a public-spirited citizen, whose broad ideas and pro- gressiveness have done much for the advancement of Charlotte.
Latta Park, which is quite extensive in size and affords a variety of entertainment, is an exceedingly attractive pleasure-ground :
The Monroe Road
Vance Park, centrally located and easy of access is especially adapted for open-air gatherings; and Independence Park, to the east of the city, has much natural beauty and charm of landscape.
The Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company, by extending its electric lines westward to Chadwick, and thence to the Catawba river, has opened up a beautiful portion of country. "Lakeview," with its picturesque woodlands, winding driveways and large lake, bids fair to out-rival all other sections in beauty of scenery.
The population of Charlotte is about 40,000. The increasing numbers of cotton mills and factories of various kinds are causing settlements to spring up as if by magic all around the city's borders, while many residents are annually drawn thither by the varied, favorable business interests that are presented, as well as on account of the many advantages of climate and location.
Life in Charlotte blends most happily the peaceful spirit of the old South with the progressive ideas of a later period. Attractive homes embowered in fragrant flowers, with wide-spreading lawns shaded by oaks and magnolias, give a sense of space and restfulness ; while here and there handsome apartment houses bespeak the intro- duction of city life and ways. Out-door pastimes with all their attendant delights and benefits may be fully enjoyed-driving, rid- ing, automobiling, golfing, and other pleasures of like kind may be indulged in all the year with but little interruption from severe
Catawba River at Mountain Island (Twelve miles from Charlotte)
The Catwaba River
The Catawba River
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The Catawba River
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The Catawba River
winter weather. The salubrity of climate has brought many health- seekers who have found here renewed strength and protection from a more rigorous climate.
Situated midway between New York and New Orleans, with fine railroad facilities, and favored with many natural advantages, Char- lotte occupies an important position in the manufacturing and com- mercial world. The most substantial and healthful growth must necessarily be slow ; and in pursuing this plan in its upbuilding, a foundation strong and lasting has been established, upon which to- day it builds with a steadily increasing growth.
For Charlotte great things may be predicted. Historic memories preside over a worthy past ; to-day it is ruled by the consciousness of assured power and prosperity ; while to-morrow bears in its hand the promise of greater opportunities and unlimited possibilities.
BLANCHARD PRESS NEW YORK
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
FEB 86
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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