Alfred J. Fletcher papers, 1937-1968

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Summary

Creator:
Fletcher, A. J. (Alfred Johnston), 1887-1979
Abstract:
Resident of Raleigh, N.C.; lawyer, founder and president of Capitol Broadcasting Company; philanthropist and supporter of the arts, especially opera. Business records and personal papers of Alfred E. Fletcher span the years 1937-1968, and document Fletcher's entrepreneurial activities in the broadcasting business, and his philanthropic activities, particularly in support of the arts in North Carolina, especially opera. Business and philanthropic records, personal correspondence, and other papers are filed together in alphabetical order by topic or name.
Extent:
10 Linear Feet
Approximately 7500 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00402

Background

Scope and content:

Business records and personal papers of Alfred E. Fletcher span the years 1937-1968, and document Fletcher's entrepreneurial activities in the broadcasting business, and his philanthropic activities, particularly in support of the arts in North Carolina, especially opera. Business and philanthropic records, personal correspondence, and other papers are filed together in alphabetical order by topic or name. Boxes 14-15 contain many files documenting Fletcher's long-standing support of opera. In addition, boxes 7-8 contain files concerning the Fletcher family, including a biography of a missionary in the North Carolina mountains, possibly his grandfather.

Biographical / historical:

Born in the Western N.C. mountains to a Baptist minister and his wife, seventh of fourteen children. Earned his law degree at Wake Forest. Opened law practice in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., and later founded Capitol Broadcasting Company in Raleigh, N.C. During the late 1940's he gathered support for and established the Grass Roots Opera company to take opera to rural areas, to introduce young people to opera, and give young singers professional experience. As the company grew and began to tour in other parts of the United States, the name was changed from "Grassroots Opera" to "National Opera Company". Fletcher died in 1979. After his death, the Alfred J. Fletcher Foundation continued supporting the arts, particularly music in educational institutions.

Acquisition information:
The Alfred J. Fletcher Papers were purchased by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library in 1974.
Processing information:

Processed by Rubenstein Library Staff, November 2007

Encoded by Robert Carlson and Paula Jeannet, August 2009

Accession from 1974 is described in this finding aid.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University