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Charles C. Plitt Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS0236

  • Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Charles Christian Plitt (1869-1933) was a botanist who became an international expert in lichenology. By the time of his death in 1933, he had amassed one of the three largest collections of mosses and lichens in the world. However, Plitt was also an avid field botanist in Maryland. For decades, he and companions made weekly field trips into the Maryland countryside around Glen Burnie, Towson, Loch Raven, Curtis Bay, and Ellicott City. Plitt's field notes were kept in journals he titled "Tramps." These journals, dated 1899 to 1922, are a priceless record of the varied species of plants which once grew in habitats now buried beneath urban landscapes.

Series I consists of one ledger and four copybooks containing botany data from 1897 to 1898. Series II consist of the "Tramps," which begin in 29 numbered and dated copybooks and are continued in two ledgers. Series III contains photographs, series IV personal papers, and series V published works. Series VI contains published excerpts from "Tramps."

Though Plitt died in 1933, it was more than half a century before the journals and other materials were donated to Special Collections. The donor was Martha Heard Ray. Her father, Osborne Heard, had been a companion of Plitt's on those weekly "Tramps." Series VII includes Heard's personal papers--primarily correspondence. In the early 1980s, Heard was corresponding with former associates of Plitt to gather biographical material for an article on Plitt. Series VIII includes Ray's papers concerning the donation of the collection.

Dates

  • Creation: 1897-1994

Conditions Governing Access

Biographical Sketch

A lifelong Marylander, Charles C. Plitt (1869-1933) was both a professor of botany and an international authority on lichens. In 1891, he received a degree in pharmacy from the Maryland College of Pharmacy. In 1920, he was appointed full professor of botany and pharmacognosy at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Maryland. In 1921, Plitt was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree for his meritorious work in botany by the International Academy of Sciences.

1869: Born on May 6 in Baltimore, Maryland

1886: Graduated from Baltimore City College with high honors.

1891: Earned degree of Graduate in Pharmacognosy (Ph. G.) from the Maryland College of Pharmacy. Received Simon Gold Medal for excellence in analytical work and Gold Medal for general excellence.

1891: In September, entered the teaching profession; continued till 1933. For more than 36 years taught in Baltimore public schools.

[nd]: Began teaching botany and general science in Baltimore City College. Held a part-time position as associate professor of botany and material medica at the Maryland College of Pharmacy, which merged with the University of Maryland in 1904.

1920: Appointed full professor of botany at University of Maryland College of Pharmacy.

1921: Awarded degree of Doctor of Science by International Academy of Science for meritorious work in biology.

1932: Led Johns Hopkins University students on botany field trip to Jamaica.

1933: Died on October 13 in Baltimore, Maryland. Survived by wife Nellie Hennighausen Plitt and three sons: Walter, George, and Allen.

Total Size of Collection

3 letter_document_box

3 flat_pamphlet_box

3 boxes (1 box, 15.5 x 10.5 x 3; 1 box, 13.25 x 9.75 x 1.25; 1 box, 14.25 x 9.5 x 2)

10.25 Linear Feet (9 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Content Description

The Charles C. Plitt Collection consists of a series of journals resulting from weekly botany field trips, which Plitt referred to as "tramps," ranging in date from about 1898 to 1922. Plitt led these tramps through many areas around Baltimore, such as Loch Raven, Glen Burnie, Towson, Curtis Bay, and Ellicott City. The collection also includes biographical data, correspondence, photographs, and a book.

Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the National Agricultural Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Avenue
Room 309
Beltsville Maryland 20705 USA
301-504-5876