I wrote this review essay waaaaaaay back in grad school (actually before I was admitted, as I enrolled in a class to see if I was up for it) in 2011. It got an A, so I must have somewhat known what I was doing... Transportation history is an area that has always interested me, … Continue reading The Canal Era: The Ebb and Flow of Economics, Politics, and Labor
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Housing Costs in 1992
An important (maybe the most important) factor to consider in residential construction is $$COST$$. This heavily impacts what kind of housing is built. Affordable housing has increasingly become a hot topic as demand soars due to low housing supply, resulting in high prices--there's definitely sticker shock when it comes to buying a house now even … Continue reading Housing Costs in 1992
Donald Plott House, Davidson, NC
The first historical essay I wrote was back in 2012 for the Historic Preservation graduate course at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Dan Morrill, who at the time was the director of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, was the professor. He assigned us various properties in the College Downs neighborhood of Davidson, … Continue reading Donald Plott House, Davidson, NC
Pictorial and Historical New Hanover County and Wilmington, N. C. (1938)
When I purchased this book, I was expecting photos of Wilmington during this period. But what I got is unadulterated racism and Confederate worship. Here is the article purporting the “true story from official records” of what author William Lord deRosset calls “the Wilmington Race Revolution.” Historical records like this is why many people, including … Continue reading Pictorial and Historical New Hanover County and Wilmington, N. C. (1938)
Charlotte from on High in 1971
When Jefferson-First Union Center was completed in 1971, the 32-story building was the tallest in Charlotte. Designed by local firm Pease Associates, Inc., it was part of a flurry of commercial construction in the downtown (uptown?) area. Only three years later, NCNB Plaza (Bank of America Plaza, recently renamed One South at the Plaza) would … Continue reading Charlotte from on High in 1971
Mammoth Oaks Golf and Swim Club
Did you know that Mammoth Oaks Drive is named after Charlotte's first public golf course? A small part of it remains back in the neighborhood!
Postcard Archives
I used to be really heavy into collecting vintage and antique postcards, so much that I had a whole Etsy shop dedicated to them! (Unfortunately, I don't really have the time to dedicate to it, plus I'm in a "there's too much stuff in my house" phase, so my collection is now mostly limited to … Continue reading Postcard Archives
Modernism 101 with the Charlotte Museum of History
When the Charlotte Museum of History contacted me to make a presentation on modernist architecture in Charlotte, I was absolutely thrilled! It's not too often I get to talk about my work with people who actually want to hear me prattle on (sorry, friends!). I hope everyone who watched and asked questions enjoyed it! It … Continue reading Modernism 101 with the Charlotte Museum of History
Preserve Mecklenburg
I recently joined the board of Preserve Mecklenburg, a non-profit dedicated to the protection of historic properties in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County through such tools as deed covenants and preservation easements. Please consider a small donation to help support our mission. Click the image below to visit the donation page for Preserve Mecklenburg. Giving LevelsHornet … Continue reading Preserve Mecklenburg
SVM Presents at Modernist Architecture Conference
A few weeks ago, I presented my methodology and results of the Charlotte Modernist survey in the Kodachrome Commerce: American Commercial Architecture 1945-1980 digital symposium, which was held by the College of Environment + Design of the University of Georgia. The prerecorded presentation was followed by a live Q&A. I have to say, I was … Continue reading SVM Presents at Modernist Architecture Conference
SVM Historical Consulting | Susan V. Mayer 