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Charlotte's Legacy: The Changing Faces of a City

"Clang, clang, clang!" went Charlotte's trolley

Streetcars or trolleys first appeared in Charlotte in 1887 as a mule-drawn operation. In 1891, The Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company, commonly known as the Four C's, contracted with the Edison Electric Company to install an electric trolley system. This mode of transportation connected Charlotte's various neighborhoods and remained popular until the advent of automobiles and buses. In March of 1938, streetcar No. 85 became the last trolley to run on the streets of Charlotte.

Latta Park

Charlotte is fortunate to have so many neighborhood parks. In 1891, the 4C's, under the leadership of Edward Dilworth Latta, constructed a 90 acre amusement park amidst beautiful landscaped grounds. Charlotteans strolled the shady paths that led them around Lake Forsythe and admired the flowers, lily ponds, and flowing springs. Thursday evenings or "Cupid's Reception," as it was called, were reserved for couples who were courting. Concerts, tennis matches and boating were common activities. In 1892, a baseball field was completed. Both whites and blacks enjoyed the use of the field.

Bishop Grace's Annual Visit

The annual arrival of Bishop "Sweet Daddy" Grace, founder of The United House of Prayer For All People, was a time for an incredible outpouring of religious fervor by the church members. These photographs were taken during the 1958 parade.

Charlotte's Legacy: The Changing Faces of a City

The web exhibit, “Charlotte’s Legacy: The Changing Faces of a City,” went online in 1999, as part of the Library’s focus on the theme of “Legacy” on the eve of a new millennium. Here is the original description: