Ruth Coltrane Cannon

Ruth Louise Coltrane Cannon (October 15, 1891 – December 22, 1965) was an American preservationist, historian, and philanthropist. Known for her influential contributions to historical preservation in North Carolina, she played a significant role in restoring landmarks, promoting the arts, and supporting educational initiatives.

Early life and education Ruth Louise Coltrane was born on October 15, 1891, in Concord, North Carolina. Her father, a Civil War veteran, founded the Concord National Bank, North Carolina's oldest national bank. She graduated summa cum laude from Greensboro College in 1911 with a degree in history, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for the subject.

Marriage and family On June 5, 1912, Ruth married Charles Albert Cannon, the president and chairman of Cannon Mills Company, a textile empire founded by his father, James W. Cannon. She was an original member of the Tryon Palace Commission and served for twenty years.

As a member of the North Carolina Garden Club, Ruth chaired the book committee that produced Old Homes and Gardens of North Carolina, a seminal publication in the state's preservation movement.

She also established the Ruth Coltrane Cannon award in 1948 to recognize excellence in historical research, preservation, and restoration. The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (Chairman of the Cabarrus Committee) The Daughters of the American Revolution The Daughters of the American Colonists The North Carolina Society of Descendants of the Pilgrims The Daughters of 1812 The Daughters of Colonial Wars The United Daughters of the Confederacy

Locally, she restored the Stirewalt-built house in west Kannapolis, known as "For Pity’s Sake," which became a venue for community and civic events. A dormitory at Wingate College and a residence hall at Appalachian State University named for Ruth and Charles Cannon The Cannon Music Camp and music building at A.L. Brown High School