Charles V. Hall papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RS 9/16/22

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection (1900-2006, undated) contains articles written by Dr. Hall and others, all related to horticultural subjects. In addition, there is biographical information and newspaper clippings, a history of Iowa State University and the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture, information regarding famous Iowa horticulturalists, slides of watermelon varieties, melon breeding, and the Iowa State Campus, a scrapbook on cucurbits, and information from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Pesticide Disposal Symposium, in which Hall actively participated and about which he wrote an article. Also included is an article on livestock holding facilities, information about the Missouri River Valley Research Center, general information about production vegetable and fruit varieties, and various publications related to his research.

Dates

Creation: 1900-2006, undated

Access Restrictions

Open for research.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

Charles V. Hall was born in Ash Flat, Arkansas, in 1923. He received his B.S. (1950) and M.S. (1953) from the University of Arkansas and his Ph. D. from Kansas State University (1960). Before coming to Iowa State, Hall worked as a technical research assistant (1950-1953) at the Fruit and Truck Branch Experiment Station at the University of Arkansas and was a member of the Kansas State University Department of Horticulture (1953 to 1974).

During his time at Kansas State University, he designed one of the first plant science courses and developed an introductory course in the elements of horticulture. Hall was also a popular counselor among students at Kansas State, served on the Faculty Senate and Graduate Council, and was advisor to the Horticulture Club. In 1972, he appeared in the publications Crops and Soils and Seed World as the featured scientist.

Ten years of research allowed Hall to produce the most popular type of watermelon grown in the United States known as the Crimson Sweet (1963). This watermelon, now grown in over fifty countries, is famous because it contains fewer and smaller seeds, has a sweeter flavor, a thinner rind, as well as an increased resistance to plant disease. In addition to the Crimson Sweet, Hall developed other varieties of watermelon, including All Sweet, Super Sweet, and Petite Sweet.

Hall joined the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University as Professor and Head (1974-1990) of the department. During Hall’s tenure at Iowa State, a new horticulture building was constructed and the number of faculty was increased. He coordinated an interdepartmental study on the disposal of agricultural chemical wastes which resulted in several publications and numerous speaking engagements. Hall served on many university, state, and national committees and was also an active member and Fellow (1973) of the American Society for Horticultural Science. He was named Professor Emeritus in 1990.

Charles Hall is married to Elsie Hall, and together they have three children: Kathy, Mary, and Mark.