Scope and Contents note
The Hugh Nelson, Incorporated (Columbia Carpet Mills) records house the papers of Hugh Nelson, Incorporated, a carpet manufacturer based in Philadelphia. The collection dates from 1931 to 1957, with bulk dates from 1941 to 1957. This collection is mostly made up of correspondence between Hugh Nelson, Incorporated and vendors with which it did most of its business, especially from 1955 to 1957. There are also invoices, carpet and yarn samples, blueprints, and pricing lists. While the records in this series do not provide the full scope of the company’s business and history, it does provide an interesting snapshot of carpet manufacturing in Philadelphia. In particular, there is correspondence with the United States Maritime Commission regarding the development of “Neldek,” a canvas deck covering for the Navy, developed during World War II.
This collection is arranged into two series: Series “I. Business records, 1931-1957, bulk dates 1941-1957,” and Series “II. Frank Dodds personal records, 1942-1953.”
Series “I. Business records” dates from 1931 to 1957, with bulk dates of 1941 to 1957. This series is primarily made up of correspondence with other textile companies, mostly regarding orders, carpet samples, and other supplies. Some of the correspondence includes invoices for orders indicated in the correspondence, reflecting the company’s status as a manufacturer and supplier for other smaller vendors. One of the more prominent companies included in this series is Painter Carpet Mills, which seemed to be a partner or supplier for Hugh Nelson. Also included in the correspondence are carpet samples, yarn samples, inventory reports, and correspondence with traveling salesman employed by Hugh Nelson.
A significant portion of the material, mostly correspondence spanning from 1941-1951, is in regards to the development of “Neldek,” a military-grade canvas developed by Hugh Nelson for the United States Maritime Commission. There are associated blueprints that document the development of this material and its intended uses. This series also includes a painting of the mill building. This series is arranged alphabetically by company or subject, with a small span of assorted materials arranged chronologically following the alphabetical materials.
Series “II. Frank Dodds personal records” dates from 1942 to 1953. This small series is made up of correspondence, invoices, and fabric samples directly related to personal activities of Frank Dodds. There are also accident and worker’s compensation reports related to an injury sustained by Dodds, and a “Football Visualizer” score book. This series is arranged chronologically.
This collection provides a broad look into the business practices of Hugh Nelson, Incorporated, specifically through correspondence with area textile vendors. Although this correspondence does not capture the full scope of the business and its history, it provides a snapshot of area textile vendors, trends in carpet production, and the development of a military-grade deck covering called “Neldek” developed by Hugh Nelson, Incorporated during World War II and continuing through 1951. Additional correspondence between traveling salesman and the corporation helps to highlight company concerns and sales practices.
Biographical/Historical note
The Hugh Nelson-Columbia Carpet Mills, Incorporated was one of the oldest surviving carpet manufacturers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The mill was located on North 3rd Street in the Kensington neighborhood. Hugh Nelson owned the company until his son-in-law, Edward M. Schmauder became owner and president. Schmauder ran the company for 28 years before selling it in 1978. The carpet mill finally closed in 1983.