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Inventory of the Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968

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Descriptive Summary

Repository
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University
Creator
Fletcher, A. J. (Alfred Johnston), 1887-1979.
Title
Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968
Language of Material
Material in English
Extent
10.0 Linear Feet

Approximately 7500 Items
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.
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Administrative Information

Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Copyright Notice
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 Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The Alfred J. Fletcher Papers were purchased by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library in 1974.
Processing Information
Processed by RBMSCL Staff, November 2007
Encoded by Robert Carlson and Paula Jeannet Mangiafico, August 2009
Accession from 1974 is described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
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Biographical Note

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.

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Collection Overview

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.
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Subject Headings

These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
List of Series in Collection
Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968
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Description of Collection

Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968

(19 boxes)
Box 1
A-Ap
Box 2
Ap-Bi
Box 3
Bills
Box 4
Bl-Bu
Box 5
C-D
Box 6
E-Fed
Box 7
Fed-Fletcher, A. J.
Box 8
Fletcher, Frank V.-Fletcher, James
Box 9
Fo-Hu
Box 10
I-La
Box 11
La-Me
Box 12
Mi-Mu
Box 13
N-No
Box 14
No-Op
Box 15
Op-Pe
Box 16
Po-R
Box 17
S-Wa
Box 18
Wb-Z
Box 19
Montlawn Memorial Park