Patterson, Charles H.

Languages and Literatures, 1916-1933

b. 1863, Smithsonville, Ont.

d. Aug. 12, 1933, Southport, Me.

For many years, Charles H. Patterson served as head of the Department of Language and Literature at Massachusetts Agricultural College. Born in Smithsonville, Ont., in 1863, Patterson received both a BA (1887) and MA (1893) from Tufts University before launching his teaching career. In 1916, after 13 years at West Virginia University, he joined the faculty at MAC as a as assistant professor of English, eventually becoming department chair. A former professional actor, he taught courses in modern literature, with a particular interest in drama.

A stern, but popular instructor, throughout his time in Amherst, Patterson remained active in community affairs, notably with the Unity church and the Pacific lodge of Masons, but also taking part in groups ranging from the George Washington bicentennial committee to the Amherst motion picture censorship committee. He died suddenly on Aug. 12, 1933, while vacationing at his summer home in Southport, Me. At the time of his death he was working on a biography of the Irish playwright Dion Boucicault.

• Charles H. Patterson Papers, University Archives (FS 089)