WFAE Signs, flowers and stuffed animals left as tributes to Dr. Robert Lesslie are seen Friday at Riverview Family Medicine and Urgent Care in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Lesslie was one of six people including his wife and two juvenile grandchildren shot to death at his home Wednesday in York County. The person authorities suspect in the slayings died after apparently reportedly shooting himself.
In the past few weeks, there have been mass shootings in metro Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado. And now another one hit especially close to home in Charlotte this week when six people were shot and killed in nearby Rock Hill, South Carolina. Prominent doctor Robert Lesslie, his wife, Barbara, their two grandchildren and two workers at their house all were killed Wednesday evening. Authorities say former NFL player Phillip Adams shot them all before taking his own life early Thursday morning.
An aerial view of Charlotte circa 1910.
FAQ City listener Jeremy Whitner noticed 1910 coming up a lot as he traveled around Charlotte.
“A lot of churches were founded in that time and a couple of big civic buildings were built, Whitner said. And then a lot of stuff in the area . was built around 1910 to 1915, too.”
There are buildings from the time period that still remain, like the Moore Golden House a charming yellow cottage-style dwelling on Eighth Street and has housed prominent residents throughout the 20th century that was later home to journalist and civil rights activist, Harry Golden.
There’s also what is now Plaza Midwood, which was established during this time period, but according to historian Tom Hanchett, most of the remaining structures are residential. You may also remember Hanchett from other FAQ City episodes exploring the oldest restaurants in Charlotte and the origin of Charlotte s neighborhood names.