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Written by Coutureallurevintage.com
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NELLY DON
Nell Donnelly Reed began designing and sewing housedresses in 1916 which she sold to the George B. Peck Dry Goods Company. In 1931, she became the owner of the Donnelly Garment Company in Kansas City, which manufactured the Nelly Don line of women's apparel.
Ms. Reed led the company through the Great Depression and WWII. Her company was known for excellent working conditions and benefits, including group hospitalization and tuition money for employees and their families. In 1937 the company's new building became the first in Kansas City with air conditioning.
During WWII, the company produced several types of uniforms for the Army and Women's Air Corps. Annual revenues reached $14 million by 1945.
Nell Donnelly Reed retired in 1956, and the company changed its name to Nelly Don, Inc. Clothing was manufactured through the 1960s and 1970s. Fabric was added to the product line in the 70s, but the company filed for bankruptcy in 1978.
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from a 1930s dress
Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com
back of 1930s label
Courtesy of listitcafe
from an early 1950s coat dress
Courtesy of coutureallurevintage.com
from a late 1960s shift dress
Courtesy of coutureallurevintage.com
from a late 1960s mod-influenced youth range
Courtesy of vintage-voyager.com
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