Torrence, Clinton W.
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Torrence, Clinton W.
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Clinton W. Torrence was a husband, father, brother and beloved janitor at Davidson College for 48 years.
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Clinton W. Torrence began working at Davidson College in 1924 and remained there for 48 years as a janitor. There was a seven-year period where he worked for the Carolina Asbestos company. While at Davidson, he primarily worked in the dormitories, specifically Watts and Rumpley. Notably, he worked as the sole janitor for the Rumple Dormitory until its final year before it was torn down. He was a valuable member of the Davidson community. Students and alumni described he as being dependable, friendly, and generally good natured. Some students credited his humor as the reason they were able to get ready for class on cold mornings. He personality was infectious.
Torrence was a veteran of World War I and World War II. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Although there is limited information about his educational background, he was aware of contemporary issues and campus developments. In one Davidsonian interview, he felt that the college was making progress as a leader among other liberal arts colleges.
Torrence died at the Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 84 and was buried at the Christian Aid Society Cemetery in Davidson.
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May 6, 1898
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February 12, 1983
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"Clinton Torrence," in U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
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Andy Watson, “Ode to A Janitor,” The Davidsonian, October 21, 1955, 4.
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"Mr. Clinton W. Torrence," The Charlotte Observer, February 13, 1983.
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"Clinton W. Torrence," The Charlotte News, February 14, 1983
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