Dr. Adelaide Lisetta Fries was born in Salem, in 1871, to John W. and Agnes Sophia de Schweinitz Fries.
Dr. Fries was educated at Salem College, and earned the A. B. Degree and Master of Arts Degree. She was awarded the honorary degree of doctor of letters from the Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She received similar degrees from Wake Forest College and The University of North Carolina.
Even as a child, he was interested in the history of the Moravian Church, particularly as related to the Moravian churches in Forsyth County. In order to research the history, she sought out primary sources. These sources were usually written in German, so she learned to translate and decipher the German script.
Once she located the primary sources, she recognized that these records should be carefully handled and preserved. So, she began to amass archival materials which became the foundation of the Moravian Archives. She was officially appointed archivist of the Moravian Church. She lobbied for a proper storage location for the Archives. A fireproof building was prepared for housing the Archives in 1942, and the materials were moved into this storage space.
Dr. Fries was a prolific researcher, writer, and speaker. She is responsible for writing many publications that broaden our understanding of the Moravians. Her most far-reaching publication was her seven-volume “The Records of the Moravians in North Carolina.” She was in the process of completing Volume 8 when she passed away in 1949. And, this work is being continued, as additional volumes are published every few years.
Another publication of interest to citizens of Forsyth County is the book, “Forsyth, a County on the March.” This book was published in 1949, for the celebration of the Forsyth County centennial. Dr. Fries was the editor of this publication, but passed away before the centennial.
Dr. Fries was a member of many historical societies, such as the Wachovia Historical Society, where she served on the board of directors. She also received many awards for her research and writing, such as the Mayflower Cup. It was awarded for her book, “The Road to Salem,” written about Anna Ernst.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
