Take a look at how inexpensive it was to rent a house a hundred years ago. This is a copy of an advertisement from the 1903 Charlotte Observer. A family could rent a seven-room house in uptown Charlotte for $25.00 a month in the early 1900s. In one hundred years, the rent for this same house will be $2000.00
Different shoe styles are not the norm in 1903. Based on this 1910 advertisement, women had some choices when it came to shoes, but not as many as we do today. The laced up boots seen here were in vogue in 1903 until the late 1900s. To fasten the buttons a hook was designed to help accomplish this arduous, daily task.
This is a picture of the Atherton Mill on East Boulevard. Today the building houses condominiums. Until 1901, children under the age of 12 could work in textile mills. After the law changed, children had to attend school. However, this did not apply to children of widowed mothers, who worked to provide support for the family. There are 676 children working in Mecklenburg County in 1900. Their average annual salary is $99.00.
Other realities that would seem harsh include:
Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, widow of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, made her home in Charlotte off and on until her death in 1915. Mrs. Jackson began living in Charlotte after the death of her husband in 1863. Her first home was located at 507 West Trade Street. In 1907, she moved closer to town and purchased a home at 306 West Trade Street. Her house was near the Southern Railway Station.
The lack of adequate central heat makes wearing layers of warm clothing essential. Young boys wear knickers, and girls wear thick tights to keep their legs warm. This is a 1907 photograph of the Martin Brothers, John Wendell Martin, Thomas Marion Martin and James Martin. They are the sons of Isaac M. and Rebecaa G. Martin.
The Realty Building (1907) on the right in the main photograph was on the corner of Trade and Tryon. It became known as the Independence Building in 1920. The American Trust Building at 210-212 South Tryon Street housed a number of businesses, including the Southern Power Company. Built in 1901 for Frederick C. Abbott, George Stephens and Word H. Wood, The Academy of Music was also located here.
The Phifer House and plantation was located in the 700 block of North Tryon Street. Reportedly, it is the site of the last meeting of the full cabinet of the Confederate States of America, which took place on April 26, 1865. Today, the property is occupied by government buildings and an entertainment complex.
The Tate Family lived at 504 East 7th Street. Thaddeus Tate is the head of the household and is one of Charlotte’s leading businessmen. The Tates could afford to wear the latest fashions. Women wore dresses with high collars and long skirts. Men wore suits and ties. Sailor suits were very popular for children during the 1900s.
Built in 1774, the Hezekiah Alexander Home off of Shamrock Drive was once an active farm. Today, it is the oldest house in the county, and continues to be a popular historic attraction.
