Charles Edward Brewer (1866-1941) served as the third president of Meredith College from 1915 until 1939. Dr. Brewer was previously a professor of chemistry and dean of the faculty at Wake Forest College. Brewer saw the school through many significant world events including World War I and the Great Depression, as well as those noteworthy in the history of the school, including the Spanish flu quarantine (1918), Meredith College’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1921,) the creation of the Twig, the first “Alice in Wonderland” (1924), the move from downtown to the “Tucker Farm” campus (1925-26), and the addition of Meredith College to the list of “approved colleges” by the Association of American Universities (1928.) Brewer Residence Hall is named for Charles Brewer.
His daughter, Dr. Ellen Brewer (Class of 1918) was a professor in the Home Economics Department from 1922-1944 and it is for her that the Brewer House was named.
Charles Brewer was president of Meredith College from 1915 to 1939.
Ellen Brewer, daughter of Charles Brewer, graduated from Meredith college in 1918. She oversaw the Department of Home Economics for 40 years. Brewer House, originally built as a "practice home,"was named in her honor.
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-760-8532
