Editor’s note: In this series, local author David Aaron Moore will answer reader-submitted questions about historic places in Charlotte. Submit inquires to amckenzie@clclt.com.
I’m planning on moving to Charlotte soon. On a recent visit with some friends we were walking around Uptown and I came across this beautiful old building called The Tryon House. I’ve done a little research; the rent is great and the location is perfect. Can you tell me anything about the history of the building? — Anna Sheldon, Dallas
You stumbled upon one of the most historic apartment buildings not just in Uptown, but in the entire city. It was built in 1918 and served as a fashionable yet economical in-town residential location for singles, young married couples and even small families. The building was expanded upon in 1926, with a second, larger addition added to the back, making it stretch an entire block to College Street.
Here’s the kicker (and most people don’t know this part): The building used to be known as The Guthery Apartments, and it was a scene of one of the worst disasters in Charlotte’s history.
In the wee hours of March 13, 1940, a massive fire, probably caused by a boiler explosion in the basement, swept through the three-story building, claiming the lives of six and seriously injuring nine.
Among the dead: H.R. and Etta Ely; Hazel Martin and her son Edward; Rowena Dickinson; and Mabel Rockett.
According to the city’s then-Fire Department Chief Fire Chief Hendix Palmer, the flames from the boiler fire grew so hot that they melted two gas meters nearby, which then reacted like giant torches, sending flames up the elevator shaft from the basement to the top floor. Inside the charred apartments, it was later discovered, the heat was so intense that aluminum cooking pots actually melted, leaving only their handles.
But that’s not all.
According to Ashton Rockett, a former manager of the building from 1992 to 1994, the building may have some “residual energy” floating around from some of its earlier tenants.
“When I managed the property there was still evidence of the fire,” he told me. “There were scorched bricks, beams and window frames. It was eerie.”
Rockett, however, says that was the least of the eerie factors about the building.
“Practically everybody that lived there had some kind of ghost story. A friend of mine frequently heard what sounded like someone crying and throwing themselves against the wall in an apartment beside him, when there was no one living there. Another tenant claimed people were banging on his door at all hours of the night but there would be no one at the door or running down the hall.
“The scariest story of all I heard came from a woman who claimed that the walls of her apartment were bleeding. She left the building within a month and had to be institutionalized.”
Keep in mind the fire is a confirmed part of The Tryon House’s history. The rest of the story … well … I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Ghost stories aside, The Tryon House is an architectural gem and would be a fascinating place to consider for a residence.
David Aaron Moore is the author of “Charlotte: Murder, Mystery and Mayhem.” His writings have appeared in numerous publications throughout the U.S. and Canada.
This article appears in Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2012.
I lived in one of those front units in the pic for 3 years and loved it. Never knew the story of the fire though. I don’t have any ghost stories but definitely creeped my guests out the first time they’d walk down the hallway, with their old asylum-like vibe.
Very informative and interesting story. Thanks!
I lived there for two years. The current configuration is two phases of construction. The front half near Tryon seemed to be where people saw things (several residents I know claimed to have seen and heard some pretty spooky stuff).
I never knew this, very interesting story though, would love to go into the Building. If you know of any other places around town that are Haunted let us know.
I lived there for five years and loved it. One neighbor, an older Southern gent, claimed that ghosts visited his apartment regularly. I never got a creepy vibe from the place. Instead it reminded me of Chicago brownstones I visited when I was a kid.
Anybody notice an odd coincidence? The names Ashton Rockett and Mabel Rockett. It’s an unusual last name. Ashton and I discussed this during the interview and we were able to confirm that the two of them, though separated by a vast amount of time, are from the same part of North Carolina. As of now, we have not unravelled the mystery, but he did concede that it is entirely possible they could be distant relatives. – David Aaron Moore
I worked in maintainance at the Tryon House in the mid 90’s. I have been all througout this building, and yes i heard many many stories of ghost. I myself have never seen any evidance of ghost, but have spoken to residents who truely believe the saw ghost. The Lawing family, who own the building were always kind and honest to me, hey are great people.
I have been all through the basement of this building, and have viewed the burnt brickwork from that historic fire. I recently revisited the building (which i haven’t seen in 20 years), and seeing her still standing brought a smile to my face. She has stood the test of time, and is a major part of Charlotte’s history.
P.S.
To The lawing family, Tommy jr, Sr, Bobby, and Annete, I want to say, Thank you for making my life better.