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This cartoon highlights Charlotte's reputation as a destroyer of historic properties. It was included in a leaflet protesting the proposed routes of Independence Freeway that would plow through either Plaza Midwood or Elizabeth.

A photograph of the map shows that the Plaza Midwood area was taking its modern shape. Much development had yet to occur beyond Morningside and Masonic drives. Notice Independence Boulevard runs through the Chantilly neighborhood to the south.

The Sanborn Map Company produced fire maps for cities and towns across the nation. This map of the Chatham Estates area shows Central Avenue between the Thomas Avenue and the Seaboard Air Line railroad.

The Sanborn Map Company produced fire maps for cities and towns across the nation. This map of the Chatham Estates area shows Central Avenue between Louise Avenue and Hawthorne Lane.

The Sanborn Map Company produced fire maps for cities and towns across the nation. This map of the Chatham Estates area shows Central Avenue at its intersection with The Plaza.

The Sanborn Map Company produced fire maps for cities and towns across the nation. This map of the Chatham Estates area shows Central Avenue between Clement and Thomas avenues.

The Sanborn Map Company produced fire maps for cities and towns across the nation. This map of the Chatham Estates area shows Central Avenue between the Seaboard Air Line railroad crossing and Hawthorne Lane.

This aerial photo shows several businesses that populated the commercial corridor of Plaza-Midwood.

This undated aerial photo, likely from the 1930s, reveals the sporadic development that plagued Plaza-Midwood during its first decades. Although the arterial street on the left is paved, many of the roads are compacted dirt.

Paul Chatham envisioned his Chatham Estates development to be comprised of large residential estates along a grand boulevard. Although the development eventually saw an influx of middle-class homes, many affluent Charlotteans constructed larges…