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Turn of the 20th Century: Life in Charlotte 1900 - 1910

South Graded School

South Graded School was located at 1001-1015 South Boulevard on the the corner of Morehead Street. Built in 1858, the South Graded School was originally the North Carolina Military Institute. During the Civil War, the institute served as both a hospital and a Federal Prison. It became the city's first tax-supported public school in Charlotte In 1883. In its latter years as a public school, it served only as an elementary school (D.H. Hill Elementary) for the South side of the city.

The Latest in Boys Knickers

Joseph A. Solomons owned the Carolina Clothing Company. They specialize in boys’ and men's clothing. It is located at 602 South Tryon Street. Most boys wore knickers until they reached the age of 18.

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Winter Wonders

In February of 1902, it snows 17.4 inches. This is the deepest snow ever recorded in Charlotte. General Electric begins marketing strings of electric Christmas Lights in 1903.

Schools

In the very early 1900s, students living in town walked to their neighborhood schools. The term was shorter than it is today by about three months. Students studied what most most people referred to as "the three “R’s,  reading, ‘riting, and rithmetic." Latin and Greek were the main foreign languages taught at this time. Recess is everyone’s favorite time to play games and talk to their friends. There are a number of private academies for both girls and boys. Several colleges in Charlotte provide opportunities for higher learning so students do not have to leave Charlotte.

Gentlemen's Fashions

Most men wore suits to work, church, parties, and other important events. Proper attire included the usual pants and jacekt along with a matching vest. Shirts had attached collars and bowties were very popular.

The Ed Mellon Company  (see ad below) in Charlotte was a very fashionable store for businessmen. This advertisement dates to 1912 when the store was located at 8-10 West Trade Street.

Inventions After 1900

Listed below are  things that were not invented until after 1910.

Air Bags in cars were invented by German Walter Linderer and American John Hedrik, who both applied for patents as early as 1951. However, it was not until the mid-seventies that automobiles were equipped with airbags. 

Ball Point Pen was invented Hungarian, Laszlo Biro in 1938.

Band Aids were invented by Thomas Anderson and Johnson & Johnson employee,  and Earle Dickson in 1920.

Early Cameras

Roll film cameras by Kodak were first introduce in 1895. Eastman Kodak Company became one of the largest manufacturers of home cameras. This enabled families to take home pictures without hiring a professional photographer.  The Van Ness Family operated a photograph studio and sold camera equipment and film from  their store at 125 East Fifth Street from the 1870s  to well into the 1930s. William  I. Van Ness was the son of local photographer, James Van Ness who was one of Charlotte's early photographers. 

The Bee Hive

The Bee Hive was a popular place to go shopping for clothes and shoes.  Located at 43-47 East Trade Street, this small drygoods store opened in 1902 by H. M. Efird with cooperation of Charles A. Williams of the Williams & Shelton Company.

Things Familiar

Believe it or not, everything has a history, including chewing gum! Listed below are some things you might recognize.  Beside each item, is the name of the person or persons associated with introducing or inventing the product, and the year it became popularly known.  

French Fries  by President Thomas Jefferson - 1700s

Modern Bicycle  by John Kemp Starley - 1871

Graham Crackers are associated with the dietary recommendations of the Reverend Sylvestor Graham - 1750 

Furniture

The turn of the century marks the beginning of the Edwardian period in architecture and furniture design. Elaborate wood carvings and heavy fabrics are very popular. The Andrews Furniture and Music Store carried a wide array of  futniture and organs. Most homes had an organ from the late 1800s until the 1920s when pianos became more popular. Andrews was located at 16 West Trade Street.