Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers (Part 3)
Reinventing Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South (How money, vision and opportunity supports the growth of the Southern City.)
Building Cities, 1900s - 1940s
Part 3 of the exhibit brings us to the early 1900s when Charlotte grew as a city. New
inventions, skyscrapers, and social changes created a bustling
downtown. The city's growth attracted many families in search
of new jobs and better wages. While in 1920, women gained the
right to vote with the 19th Amendment, segregation still limited
opportunities for African Americans.
Belk StoreLevine Museum of the New South
New South cities presented an opportunity for a new type of shopping experience, the department store. William Henry Belk opened a shop in Monroe, N.C. in 1888 and opened his fourth and largest Belk store in Charlotte, N.C. in 1895. This became the company's base of operation.
Inside Belk StoreLevine Museum of the New South
For the first time, Southerners could find an array of products and goods under one roof. One stop shopping which further supported people gathering in town.
Good Samaritan Hospital ChapelLevine Museum of the New South
As New South cities grew, however, not everyone mingled as equals. Segregation limited opportunities for African Americans. This chapel was once part of Good Samaritan Hospital built exclusively for African Americans during segregation in 1891.
Southern Power StoreLevine Museum of the New South
With electricity becoming more commonplace, Southerners now had a host of new gadgets and appliances to revolutionize their new life.
Early ApplicanceLevine Museum of the New South
With electricity, Southerners said "good bye" to cooking over an open hearth and wood burning oven.
Early ApplicanceLevine Museum of the New South
Imagine living through hot Southern summers without a fan. Electricity brought a welcome luxury to the South.
Interior of BarbershopLevine Museum of the New South
Barbershops were a refuge for African Americans where they could gather and socialize. Thad Tate was a prominent African American barber and business man in the city who served white customers in his shop including the Mayor of Charlotte and the Governor of the State.
Ford Model ALevine Museum of the New South
Beginning with Ford Model Ts, cars quickly began to replace the horse-and-buggy on Southern roads. Ford Models A and Ts were made in Charlotte from the 1920-30s.
Movie Theatre EntranceLevine Museum of the New South
Though there were no televisions at this time, Charlotteans could go to their local neighborhood theater and catch a news reel, cartoons and a feature film. The Carolina Theater opened in 1927.
Movie Theater InternalLevine Museum of the New South
However, theaters that served white patrons had segregated seating with African Americans having to sit in the balcony during this period. But in African American theaters, like the Savoy and Lincoln, there were no such restrictions.
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