Philip Lance Van Every papers

Collection

Identifier: MS0111

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection relates primarily to Van Every's two terms as mayor of Charlotte (1953-57). Material includes correspondence, speeches, newspaper clippings, memorabilia, and photographs, including several items relating to Lance, Inc. Of interest are letters (1954) from President Dwight D. Eisenhower concerning Charlotte's Freedom Day Celebration (5-18-54) that commemorated the 179th anniversary of the alleged Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

Dates

Creation: 1926 - 1994
Creation: Majority of material found within 1953 - 1957

Creator

Van Every, Philip Lance (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 Note

Philip Lance Van Every was born in Charlotte on December 9, 1913. He was one of six sons born to Mary Lance and Salem A. Van Every. Van Every attended public schools in Charlotte and the Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Va. He began working at Lance, Inc. in 1932, becoming president in 1943 and board chair in 1960. During his tenure with Lance, the company sales volume grew from less than 9 million in 1946 to 80 million in 1973. At the time of his death, the firm sales had grown to over 200 million. Van Every served on the Charlotte City Council as mayor pro-tem (1951-53), then was elected for two terms as mayor (1953-57). He had four daughters from his marriage to Pinky Johnson of Anderson, S.C.: Mary, Caroline, Diana, and Anne. He attended the First Church of Christ Scientist in Charlotte and held membership in the Charlotte City Club and the Executives Club. He also served as a director of the Myers Park Country Club, board director of the American Trust Company of Charlotte (forerunner of NationsBank) and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, president of the Mecklenburg Saddle Club, and was a Mason and a Shriner. After he retired in 1973, Van Every moved to Georgetown, S.C., where he died on July 22, 1980.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Primarily papers relating to his two terms as mayor of Charlotte (1953-1957). Includes routine correspondence, speeches, clippings, biographical information, and photographs. Also contains a small amount of material relating to his personal life and family and to his service as president and chair of the board of Lance, Inc. (1943-1973).