Plant engineer Charles Haverly (holding cat) is shown at work at the Ames Municipal Light Plant, circa 1900. Charles was the great grandfather of Paul and Jerry Nelson.
Charles Haverly and crew at the Ames Municipal Light Plant, circa 1900
Charles Haverly is seen behind the generators supplying electricity to downtown Ames, circa 1900.
Charles Ben Nelson (grandfather of Paul and Jerry Nelson) came to Ames from Champaign, Illinois around 1903, when he was in his teens. He found work at the Ames Municipal Light Plant as an electrician for Charles Haverly. In 1906, Ben married Charles' daughter, Agatha (Aggie). Note the sharp leg cleats and leather strap that enabled Ben to climb power poles.
(click to enlarge)
Ben Nelson and Bert Ball are seen working on a power pole in 1908, when electricity was being distributed into residential areas close to downtown Ames.
Nelson Electric, 304 Onondaga
The Municipal Light Plant opened up electrical work to private contractors when electricity was determined safe in residential homes. Ben Nelson then opened Nelson Electric Company because city crews had more work than they could handle. The shop and showroom was first located at 304 Onondaga (Main Street) in 1908.
1910 advertisement for Charles Ben Nelson
Christmas season window display at the original store at 304 Main Street
click to enlarge
Ames Times advertisement from February 16, 1911
Ben Nelson is shown behind the counter of the
new store at
320 Main Street after operating a few years
at the 304 address.