Jack Nelson

Who was Jack Nelson?

Jack Nelson was an American actor and film director of the silent era. He appeared in 88 films between 1910 and 1935. He also directed 58 films between 1920 and 1935. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee and died in North Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Upon arriving in North Bay, Nelson took over management of the Capital Theatre, one of two movie theatres in North Bay at the time. Years later after World War Two broke out, Nelson played an important role in the nine national Victory Loan Drives. Acting as chairman of public relations, Nelson served on the Nipissing District National War Finance Committee. His duties included organizing parades, corresponding with the local North Bay Daily Nugget Newspaper, and hosting occasional free movie admission nights for residents who purchased bonds. During the Sixth Victory Loan Drive in May 1944, Nelson and his employees at the Capital Theatre were awarded a coveted flag on behalf of the National War Finance Committee in Ottawa. The entire staff at the theatre, under Nelson's management, had subscribed 15% their payroll during the four week drive. In accordance with the Sixth Victory Loan drive promotions, any company within Canada that subscribed 15% of payroll finances to bond purchases were awarded the Victory Loan V-Flag in recognition. The V-Flag was subsequently hung in the lobby of the Capital Theatre.