Charlotte Osgood Mason

Charlotte Osgood Mason, born Charlotte Louise Van der Veer Quick (May 18, 1854, Franklin Park, New Jersey – April 15, 1946, New York City), was an American socialite and philanthropist. She contributed more than $100,000 to a number of African-American artists and writers of the Harlem Renaissance, equal to more than $1 million in 2003. This was especially critical during the Great Depression, when foundation support declined. She helped young artists become established. Biography She was born Charlotte Louise Van der Veer Quick in Franklin Park, New Jersey, on May 18, 1854, to Peter Quick and Phoebe Van der Veer. She was brought up by her maternal grandfather, Schenck Van der Veer, whose last name she used in preference to Quick. She was educated privately, as was typical for upper class girls. Van der Veer married Rufus Osgood Mason on April 27, 1886. She came from a rich family and her wealth increased when she inherited the estate of her husband after his death. Patronage She used her wealth to become a literary and cultural patron, supporting such artists and writers as Alain Locke, Aaron Douglas, Langston Hughes, Arthur Fauset, and Miguel Covarrubias of the Harlem Renaissance. Zora Neale Hurston was another emerging writer she supported, at the recommendation of Locke, after Hurston published some short stories.