Jackson County
(Mo.) Historical Society
Portals to the Past by David W. Jackson
Book chronicles colorful life of Nelly Don “Nelly Don” Tried One On and Took it for a Ride We’ve tried it on, and it fits
like a glove. Nelly Don: A Stitch in Time by Terence Michael O’Malley,
is an elegantly assembled textile...err...textual history of Kansas City’s premier
fashion icon. The 90-page book is loaded with images that stitch
together for readers a fascinating pattern of the life and times of
Mrs. Nell (Quinlan) Donnelly Reed, affectionately known by her fashion label,
Nelly Don. Then, there’s O’Malley’s
documentary by the same title that’s still leaving Screenland moviegoers
reeling (see show times in the Star, or at www.screenland.com). Would you believe this story
begins with a simple, pink gingham frock, or housedress, that a young,
“discontent” bride with a “slim purse” (her words) designed in 1916? Imagine
the day Nell walked into Peck’s Dry Goods department store in downtown Kansas
City, presented “colorful little aprons,” and immediately secured an initial
order of 18 dozen dresses? Nell had just “threaded” a fashion empire. She
became one of the wealthiest and celebrated American women in business and
philanthropists; her became company the largest of its kind in the world.
Throughout, she praised and supported the workers who helped Nelly Don bolt into
the women’s garment industry. Before the stock market crash
in 1929, Donnelly Garment Company employed mostly seasonal workers for summer
and winter fashion lines. As the Great Depression descended upon the nation,
however, Nell used her patented Handy Dandy apron to keep the factory open
year-round, giving employment to many in a time of great need. The apron was unique in that a
tailor never had to remove the garment from the machine to sew the seams.
Efficiencies like these, and innovations, including pioneering the
sectionalized method of garment production, became a hallmark for Donnelly
Garment Company. One million dollars from Handy Dandy’s revenues also helped Nell buy
her husband’s interest in the company in November 1932, when her 25-year strained
marriage to Paul Donnelly ended in divorce. A discreet year transpired before
Nell married an admired friend and neighbor, former U.S. Senator James A.
Reed, in December 1933. But, wait, there are more yarns
to weave. As the Donnelly’s marriage waned, Paul drank heavily, and was
notorious for his extramarital affairs. As for Nell, she became enamored with
her dashing neighbor, nearly 30 years her senior. The attraction was
obviously mutual, as the two conceived a child early in 1931. Nell traveled
to Europe, ostensibly to adopt a child, her “confinement” ending in Chicago
in September, when Nell gave birth to David Quinlan Donnelly (whose last name
would later become Reed). We hardly have room here to
tell you about his mother’s kidnapping and father’s heroic rescue, when David
was but three months old and under the attendance of a governess. 75 years
ago this December 13, Nell and her chauffeur, George Blair, were abducted one night after work
as their automobile approached the driveway to the family home (today the Toy
and Miniature Museum of Kansas City).
Reed forcefully took charge in pursuing the kidnappers, even enlisting
the help of Kansas City political gangster Johnny Lazia, until the event
ended 34 harrowing hours later. A decade later, “bolt” with
Nelly Don when, during World War II, Nell re-configured her fashion dress and
coat manufacturing plant into producing action clothes for American service
women...and those who replaced men in heavy industries. For a more detailed and
picturesque look her colorful, long-lived life, get your copy of Nelly
Don: A Stitch in Time (Kansas City, Mo.: The Covington Group, 2006) from
the Jackson County Historical Society’s Bookshop. David W. Jackson is archivist for the
nonprofit, membership supported Jackson County (Mo.) Historical Society's
Archives and Research Library at 112 W Lexington Ave, Suite 103,
Independence, MO 64050. The Society’s grown Nelly Don collection includes
documents, photographs and garments assembled through donations. For more
information, or to donate historical materials, visit www.jchs.org, call
(816) 252-7454, or e-mail info@jchs.org. |
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