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Thanks!  - Maria

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For my last blog on this site I'll share photos of the Observer Newsroom Library in the '70s.  

  

The black file cabinets held clip files of articles and the gray cabinets stored photos.

We still use that stool on the bottom left.

Hey, that's former librarian and good friend Sara Klemmer!

(front right, big hair, lol)

More clips as well as City Directories, etc.  And Sara Klemmer.

All those books are still there even though my desk is now in the center 

of the Newsroom and the Sports Dept is where the library used to be.

See the microfilm reader in the middle?

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Fascinating 1915

 Charlotteans were talking about the Oasis Patrol Band and 

President Wilson's second marriage.

(Double-clicking on an image may make it larger.)

I KNOW I've seen this house. Anyone know where in Myers Park it is?

I've heard of sleeping porches but this is ridiculous.

I imagine that J. Arthur Henderson didn't want a dad-blamed car in the first place. I bet his wife talked him into it, LOL!

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Dec. 18, 1915: President Woodrow Wilson marries Edith Galt in Washington, D.C. The bride was 43 and the groom was 59. It was the second marriage for Wilson, whose first wife died the year before from a kidney ailment. Edith, who claimed to be directly descended from Pocahantas, was the wealthy widow of a jewelry-store owner and a member of Washington high society. - History.com

Valentine's gift ideas, 1975

  A bathrobe for him, a spoon ring for her.

And don't forget the Conversation Hearts. Happy Valentine's Day!

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Shadrack and Sarah Lynn, sittin' in a tree..

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Black History Month: Charlotte's Good Samaritan Hospital

'Good Sam' was the first privately owned hospital for blacks in the state.

   When it opened in 1891 on a block between Graham and Mint streets, it was the only hospital where black physicians were allowed to practice before the mid-1960s in Mecklenburg County. The city took ownership of the hospital in 1961, changed its name to Charlotte Community Hospital in 1963 and then the facility was later converted to the county-run Magnolias Nursing Home. Good Sam was demolished in 1990 -- the Panthers' Bank of America Stadium now sits on its former site.

      The hospital was respected and supported by the community, although you'll see there were some low points...

'Good Samaritan Hospital was built in 1888 with funds raised by St. Peter's Episcopal Church.'

1908 postcard. Courtesy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library

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July 21, 1895

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Dec. 3, 1905

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Dec. 11, 1915

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August, 1913

 

I don't find any stories about anyone being arrested or convicted.

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May 12, 1916

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March, 1920

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1959

'Good Samaritan Hospital nurses' home from the `Nightingale` 1959 yearbook.'

Donated by Carolyn Wyche to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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1961

Staff photo

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1970

'Exterior of Good Samaritan Hospital in Charlotte.'

 Staff photo by Davie Hinshaw

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2002

'A new sign marks the site of the former Good Samaritan Hospital in front of Ericsson Stadium Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in Charlotte, N.C. The Good Samaritan Hospital is gone now, torn down to make way for Ericsson Stadium. But a state historical marker is now in place to mark the existence of the state's first privately funded black hospital.'

Staff photo by Davie Hinshaw

Charlotte Observer's Shotgun Clinics

In the '50s and '60s the Observer hosted Father-Son Shotgun Clinics and a Teen Hunter Club. 

Reader (and former club president) Ed Black thinks these clinics were held at what is now the 

Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club near Pineville on South 521. The club was established in 1913. (Thanks, Ed!)

'Instructor Art Hill shows youngsters how, as impatient line waits turn.'

Nov, 1959. Staff photo by Bruce Roberts.

'What's Inside - A couple of youngsters who attended last year's Teen Hunter Club found a cut-away chart showing the inside workings of a shotgun shell and rifle cartridge intriguing. The Observer's fourth annual firearms clinic for youths will be held Saturday.'

Nov, 1959. Staff photo by Don Sturkey

 
Nov 6, 1960

'Lock Lockhart and Prize Pump Gun.'

Nov, 1960. Staff photo.

'Stuff to Study - All youngsters attending today's Father-Son Shotgun Clinic at the Charlotte Gun Club range near Pineville will receive a packet of shooting safety material. Here a papa and son at last year's clinic leaf through their packet.'

Nov, 1961. Staff photo.

'Man, Oh, Man - wouldn't I like to win this. Joe Stafford, Phillip Stafford and Ronnie Young, left to right, look over the Remington semi-automatic shotgun which will be given away at next Saturday's fourth annual Father-Son Shotgun Clinic.

Nov, 1961. Staff photo by Joel Nichols.

'They Didn't Miss - Freddie Missildine, on the firing line, and Wilbur Baskerville, holding gun just behind, shot a perfect round of skeet during Saturday's Shotgun Clinic. But there was a good reason - both are pros. A portion of the crowd of 650 looks on.'

Nov, 1961. Staff photo by Don Sturkey.

'Sharp Shots - These Charlotte sisters, Jean Anderson (left) and Amelia Wilson, are among the certified instructors who will teach at Saturday's Teen Hunter Club firearms clinic. The two will be concerned mainly in the girls who attend.'

Oct, 1962. Staff photo.

'The Winnah! - These two youngsters, Ricky Stratton (left) and Chester Cheatwood, carted off the big loot at Saturday's Teen Hunter Club firearms clinic. Ricky won a Remington shotgun and Chester a Winchester rifle. Shown with the proud winners are their equally proud papas, Richard Stratton (left) and J.H. Cheatwood.'

Nov, 1962.  Staff photo.

1964 Charlotte homes, then and now

A look at how some Charlotte homes have changed over 50 years ...

... and how much values have appreciated!

(Images are a little light due to malfunctioning microfilm reader which is now fixed.)

Hampshire Hills

1964 price: $18,100

2011 tax value: $93,700

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Southwood

1964 price: $13,850

2011 tax value: $79,900

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Lake Forest

*I'm sure the ad should read '7617 Rolling Hill'. (7615 is a split-level.)*

1964 price: $24,500

2011 tax value: $138,300

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 Shannon Park

5717 Ruth Drive

1964 price: $18,800

2011 tax value: $94,600

5222 Grafton Drive

1964 price: $18,950

2011 tax value: $96,100