Charles T. Algren — A general contractor and builder of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Charles T. Algren has been as vitally concerned with building up the community along lines of educational and social welfare as in constructing houses. As a man of recognized ability and probity, commanding expert laborers, he is much sought after for the erection of private and business structures. At the same time, he takes an active part in many civic developments, is a member of the Board of Education and on the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce.
Charles T. Algren was born in Sweden, April 28, 1887, son of Solomon and Josephine (Johnson) Algren. The father, a native of Sweden, was a stone mason by trade and brought his family to America in 1893, landing in the new country on May 28. Settling in East Greenwich, for a time he followed his trade, then found more suitable and more lucrative employment as a florist in the local greenhouses in which he is still engaged. Charles T. Algren is one of six children, the others being: Fritz, Olga, Ingrid, John, and Edna.
Charles T. Algren attended the East Greenwich public schools and took a course in building and drawing. He then worked with a carpenter in order to learn his trade from the ground up, and at the age of eighteen was able to pursue his trade independently. In 1922 he established his building and contracting enterprise, and has been much in demand throughout these years, constructing many buildings in and around East Greenwich, and building up his force until he now employs some twenty-five men. His workmanship is of high quality, and his buildings are put up to stay, with no inferior materials or construction. Mr. Algren is a Republican in politics, and was elected, in November 1930, a member of the General Assembly to serve during 1931 and 1932 as representative from East Greenwich. He is also a member of the local Board of Education and is local building inspector. A member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, he is also secretary of its board of trustees. He belongs also to King Solomon Lodge, No. 11, Free and Accepted Masons; Narragansett Council, No. 6, Royal and Select Masters; and Narragansett Chapter, No. 11, Royal Arch Masons, all of East Greenwich. Other of his fraternal affiliations are with the Order of the Eastern Star, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of the Maccabees.
In 1910, Charles T. Algren married Ellen Anderson, daughter of Carl V. and Hannah Anderson, of East Greenwich, and they are the parents of three children: Louise, Mildred, and Doris.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 4 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.