Ben E. Douglas papers

Collection

Identifier: MS0109

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains little material relating to Douglas's tenure as mayor of Charlotte. Includes newspaper clippings, correspondence, memorabilia, photographs, and material documenting Douglas's interest in aviation.

Dates

Creation: 1910 - 1982
Creation: Majority of material found within 1935 - 1980

Creator

Douglas, Ben E. (Ben Elbert) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr. was born in Iredell County, N.C., on September 2, 1894. During World War I, he served to the rank of first lieutenant in a machine gun battalion (1917-19). In 1926, he organized Douglas and Sing Mortuary in Charlotte and, in 1946, he founded Douglas Furs. In addition to his business activities, he served 3 terms as mayor of Charlotte (1935-41), director of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development (1953-55), and as a member of the Charlotte Airport Advisory Committee (1961-79). Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is named for him. Douglas died in Charlotte on July 27, 1981.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers of a Charlotte mayor (1935-41), businessman, and promoter of aviation. Consists primarily of material relating to Douglas's service (1961-79) on the Airport Advisory Committee for Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Includes transcript of a radio address given by Douglas on Nov. 7, 1936, as mayor of Charlotte.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into two series, with the remaining files arranged in alphabetical order. The two series are:

Photographs - Large Prints, 1936, 1953 and Photographs - Slide and Prints, 1910, 1953

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Combined gift of Mrs. Ben E. Douglas, Sr., Ben E. Douglas Jr., Robert L. Douglas, and Jean Douglas Foley, 1984. Gift of James Williams, 2003. Gift of Tom Hanchett, 2021.