Nelson Brackin: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
Brackin died in [[1979]] and was buried at Friendship Cemetery in Geneva. | Brackin died in [[1979]] and was buried at Friendship Cemetery in Geneva. | ||
==References== | |||
* "Jeweler Plans Extensive Improvements To Building At Fourth And Twentieth" (March 21, 1926) {{BN}}, p. 6 | |||
* "Rumors Brackin In Jail False; He'll Keep Big Flag Flying." (February 18, 1942) {{BN}}, p. 1 | |||
* "Snow and Sand" (March 14, 1943) {{BN}}, p. 20 | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 14:04, 22 May 2020
Nelson Lee Brackin (born March 9, 1901 in Geneva, Geneva County; died August 3, 1979) was a chemist, entrepreneur and real estate investor, best known as the founder and president of Brackin's Jewelry Store at 325 20th Street North.
Brackin grew up on a farm, but left as a teenager to begin working at a chemical laboratory in Montgomery. From there he came to Birmingham as a chemist for the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Company. After two years, he began working in the jewelry business as a credit manager for Bromberg's.
After a stint with Wright, Kay & Co. in Detroit, Michigan, Brackin returned to Birmingham in 1923 to succeed F. M. Lynch as president of the Lynch Jewelry Co.. Soon he partnered with diamond broker Phil Tishman to reorganize the company as Brackin's. The new company signed a 30-year lease in the Gelder's Building, and held a grand opening on November 23. He expanded that business several times, with branch stores in Montgomery, Mobile, Gadsden and Tuscaloosa. He also owned the Ford Clothing Co..
In 1942 Brackin, who flew a large U.S. flag, illuminated by spotlights, in front of his home on Red Mountain, was the subject of baseless rumors that he used the display to "signal enemy agents." In 1943 Brackin, commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, served as manager of the post exchange at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Later he was sent to New Guinea and earned the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and a Bronze Star for his service. He was discharged with the rank of Captain.
After returning to Birmingham, Brackin sold his jewelry store to Busch's Jewelers and continued to amass a significant real estate portfolio. He married later in life and had four children.
Brackin died in 1979 and was buried at Friendship Cemetery in Geneva.
References
- "Jeweler Plans Extensive Improvements To Building At Fourth And Twentieth" (March 21, 1926) The Birmingham News, p. 6
- "Rumors Brackin In Jail False; He'll Keep Big Flag Flying." (February 18, 1942) The Birmingham News, p. 1
- "Snow and Sand" (March 14, 1943) The Birmingham News, p. 20
External links
- Nelson L. Brackin at Findagrave.com