-- Bringing the Past to Present to Create the Future --
Your Brand: Lessons for Contemporary Horsemen
By the time the article in the Wallace Monthly was published in 1888, C.H. Nelson was a highly respected horseman throughout Maine, the United States, and Canada. When Nelson would be walking in the paddocks or fairgrounds, people would come up to him and ask him for advice. Nelson was an engaging speaker and highly regarded for his expertise on horses. When Nelson returned from the Civil War in 1866, he returned to his father's store to work. In 1867, Nelson married Emma Aubine Jones. They lived in China, Maine. Realizing that working in a store was not well suited, Nelson entered the business of breeding horses. Nelson ran his horse breeding business at his China location. Then in 1882, Nelson purchased a small farm on the Oakland Road in Waterville, Maine. Nelson 4209, the future champion trotting stallion was foaled the same year. By 1885 Nelson, the man, was well on his way establishing his reputation at Maine's premiere horseman. In 1888 John Wallace, editor of the Wallace Monthly, traveled to Waterville, Maine to interview Nelson. The interview took place at the Elmwood Hotel. The following link will take you to Wallace's article on the Sunnyside Stock Farm.
In 1889 it was reported in the newspaper that Nelson was going to sell his champion stallion Nelson 4209. The sale was contingent upon the results of an upcoming race. Perhaps it was this sale that led Nelson to disgrace and suspension from the National Trotting Association.
Up until the Balch National Stallion Race, C.H. Nelson's brand was one of integrity, honesty, and expert knowledge. It was reported that on given days more than 100 individuals would visit his farm.
NOTE: Additional posts will feature articles from Wallace's Monthly that discuss the scandal created when Nelson was party to the fix of Balch's National Stallion Race at Beacon Park.
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