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

Abstract

Resident of Raleigh, N.C.; lawyer, founder and president of Capitol Broadcasting Company; philanthropist and supporter of the arts, especially opera.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Fletcher, A. J. (Alfred Johnston), 1887-1979.
Title: Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968
Language of Material: English
Extent: 10.0 Linear Feet, Approximately 7500 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

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.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

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Use Restrictions

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.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Alfred J. Fletcher Papers, 1937-1968

(19 boxes)

A-Ap

Box 1

Ap-Bi

Box 2

Bills

Box 3

Bl-Bu

Box 4

C-D

Box 5

E-Fed

Box 6

Fed-Fletcher, A. J.

Box 7

Fletcher, Frank V.-Fletcher, James

Box 8

Fo-Hu

Box 9

I-La

Box 10

La-Me

Box 11

Mi-Mu

Box 12

N-No

Box 13

No-Op

Box 14

Op-Pe

Box 15

Po-R

Box 16

S-Wa

Box 17

Wb-Z

Box 18

Montlawn Memorial Park

Box 19

Historical 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.