Hall, Charles A. (Charles Alfred), 1920-

Charles V. Hall was born in Ash Flat, Arkansas, in 1923. He recieved 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 Horticure (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 Horiiculture 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 becuse it contains fewer and smalller 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 agriculral 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 is married to Elsie Hall, and together they have three children: Kathy, Mary, and Mark.