Editor’s note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here’s us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

Is it true that you weren’t able to buy drinks in a bar in Charlotte until the 1980s? — Xavier Greene, Pineville

Editor’s note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here’s us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

I read recently that there’s a film being made about an armored car heist that took place here in 1997. Do you know any of the details? — Dora McGinnis, Charlotte

• David Scott Ghantt loaded $17 million into an anonymous looking Ford Econoline before ditching the vehicle in a wooded area in Gaston County.

Editor’s note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here’s us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

Q. In the 1960s, there was a particularly gruesome murder of an elderly couple in Charlotte on Mulberry Church Road. I remember the case well because my parents drove past the house on a few occasions and I would overhear them talking about what had happened there. Was the case ever solved? — Rich Walton, Norfolk, Va.

• Virginia Department of Corrections
• Luther Durham Jr.: was this man responsible for the killings of John and Annie Starnes?

You may have noticed an influx of pink and green in Charlotte lately. This week, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. descended upon the Q.C. to celebrate their 66th international conference.

Known as the first black-lettered Greek sorority and often seen as the prettiest ladies of them all, this organization prides itself on providing service to all mankind. While in town for the week, they have participated in a number of community service events, including their “Stop the Hunger Now Service Project.” At the Charlotte Convention Center in the Crown Ballroom, a sea of pink and green, along with a host of other volunteers, partnered together to pack food to be used in crisis situations and in feeding programs for schools and orphanages.

But as the week rolls on to an end, the AKAs are throwing on some heels, letting their hair down and preparing to go out with a bang. As the daughter of an AKA, I know what it’s like to be in the presence of such pretty faces. So I’ve highlighted the last few opportunities you have to make sure you are a part of their takeover.

Editor’s note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here’s us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

I was watching the news recently and saw a weather report about a hurricane off the East Coast, Arthur, and the beginning of the new hurricane season. How many times has Charlotte been slammed by a hurricane? — Darryl Dowdy, Charlotte

• NOAA
• This satellite radar image shows Hugo slamming into the Carolina coast.

Check out this list of events celebrating Independence Day in Charlotte and the surrounding area - as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. (This list will keep growing with more parties/events. To get listed, email anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com)

• Credit: Rob Byron

Red, White & Brew Bash at Howl at the Moon: The party features drink specials ($4 Sam Adams, $5 Washington Apple shots and $20 for 86 oz. buckets). There will also be dueling pianos all night long. Thurs., July 3. Howl At The Moon, 210 E. Trade St. 704-936-4695. www.howlatthemoon.com.

American Dreams: Pre-Independence Day Kickoff at Texicali: Sol Kitchen, BlueGoose and Roundtable present this pre-Independence Day party featuring DJ LouiVee. Free w/ RSVP until 11 p.m.; $10. July 3, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Texicali Taco & Tequila Bar, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. www.texicalicharlotte.com.

4th of July Festival at U.S. National Whitewater Center: Enjoy a two-day celebration (July 3 & 4) of America with live music, fireworks and more. July 3: The schedule includes ChessBoxer at 4 p.m.;a corn hole tournament and live music from Sol Driven Train at 6 p.m.; Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers at 8 p.m.; Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Free admission ($5 for parking). July 3, 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

Editor's note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here's us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

You write about murder and crime fairly often in your column. Is it a personal fascination, or are the statistics of the Queen City really all that bad? Kenneth Johnson, Charlotte

• Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room/Charlotte Public Library
• During much of the 20th century, Charlotte was rife with murder and other criminal activity.

Editor's note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here's us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

In 2002, a local drag performer was murdered. He went by the stage name of Aretha Scott. Was the perpetrator behind his death ever captured? - Jeff Lewis, Charlotte

• Franklin "Aretha Scott" Fremman was scheduled to testify against a policeman just five days before he was found shot to death.

Editor's note: We recognize how quickly Charlotte has changed over the years, so here's us trying to preserve its story. In this series, local author David Aaron Moore answers reader-submitted questions about unusual, noteworthy or historic people, places and things in Charlotte and the surrounding metro area. Submit inquires to davidaaronmoore@gmail.com.

I read online recently that Charlotte's Fire Department was able to find its very first fire engines, dating back to the late 1800s. I guess that made me start to think about Charlotte's history. Atlanta burned and Chicago burned - what about Charlotte? Any major catastrophies? - Michael Kesner, Charlotte