Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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Views of the City

Carnegie Library (Charlotte's First Public Library)

In 1891, the Charlotte Literary and Library Association was a subscription library located above Stone and Barringer's Bookstore. This means the library customers had to pay to use the library. After it closed, it became obvious that a city the size of Charlotte needed a public library. Alderman Thomas Franklin applied to the Carnegie Foundation and secured a $15,000 grant with the stipulation that the city had to provide the site and support the library with no less than $2500 annually.  Architects Oliver D. Wheeler and J.M.

Southern Manufacturers Club

The  Southern Manufacturers Club, an all men’s club organized in 1894. Fourteen years later in 1908, work began on this handsome building, designed by C.C. Hook,  at 134 West Trade Street at a cost of $100,000. Living quarters for the single members were located on the third floor. Some of Charlotte’s most prominent businessmen call this home.

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Performing Arts Centers

Long before television, most Americans relied on traveling theatrical companies to come through their city and perform for two weeks or more. The Trust Building housed the Academy of Arts on its second floor.  Designed by Hook and Rogers, the building itself opened in 1902 at 210-212 South Tryon Street.  It featured a beautiful, ornamental pediment on top which was typical of  the Beaux Art style which was popular at that time.