Charles H. Mason (1886–1949) was employed for thirty-five years by Pierre S. "P.S." du Pont (1870-1954), the industrialist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and horticulturalist who developed Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Mason worked as chief chauffeur and garage manager for du Pont. He lived with his family in a residence called "The Anvil" on the property at Longwood Gardens.

Charles H. Mason (1886–1949) was born to Virginia Copeland Mason (1855-1922) and Charles H. Mason (1852-1900) in Lewes, Delaware. He was one of eight children. His father died when he was fourteen, causing him to leave school and work to help his mother support the family. In 1914, P.S. du Pont hired Mason.

In 1917, Mason married Marguerite Isabel Lauritsen (1897–1934). The couple had three children (two daughters and a son), who were born and raised on the Longwood estate.

Marguerite Isabel Lauritsen Mason (1897–1934) was born to Marion "Marie" H. Anderson Lauritsen (1866-1914) and Ludwig "Louis" Lauritsen (1864-1942). The Lauritsen and Mason families were acquainted, as they lived in the same small community, and the Lauritsen family was known for having guests frequent their home. Marguerite Mason took piano lessons from Virginia Copeland Mason. Marguerite Mason's brother, Allan L. "Skutch" Lauritsen (1894–1934), took cornet lessons from Charles Mason. Allan Lauritsen worked as one of P.S. du Pont's major building contractors and introduced du Pont to Charles Mason.

During World War I, Charles Mason was first sent to Camp Meade near Baltimore, Maryland, and was made Sergeant Bugler. He spent a year at Camp Meade. His company was then sent to France for six months before returning home on June 1, 1919.