Nelson Photograph Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2026-0009

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is stored in one box.

Box 1: ca. 1930 and undated, 12 photograph sleeves

Dates

Creation: 1910-1950

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. Researchers must register and agree to all copyright laws and archives policies before using the collection. Please contact the Shenandoah County Library before visiting to use this collection.

Biographical / Historical

Burgess Nelson (1890-1966) was a local businessman and Gulf Oil Dealer who built the Nelson Theater in Mount Jackson in 1938. It was the first purpose built theatre in town and Nelson incorporated commercial and residential space into the deisgn. It continued to serve as a theatre until the 1960s.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains photographs of Burgess Nelson, his wife Virgie (Hepner) Nelson, and their family. The photographs are primarily snapshots of individuals in various locations in Shenandoah County and in Virginia, but also includes some portrait photographs.

Arrangement

Photographs in this collection are sleeved and sorted chronologically with undated items at the back.

Physical Location

Shenandoah County Library, Truban Archives

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Carolyn Sue Davidson and Anita D. Jackson, great nieces of Burgess and Virgie Nelson, to the library on February 7, 2026. The photographs were originally part of a family collection.