This collection contains photos, correspondence, personal business papers, papers from Mr. Nielsen’s Army career, and scrapbooks, documents, photos, correspondence and miscellaneous items from his career as Executive Director of various Chambers of Commerce including those of Montclair and Ontario.

Berger E. Nielsen was born on December 25, 1917 in Holbaek, Denmark. At the age of six he migrated with his parents to the United States, settling in Waukegan, Illinois. From 1936-1942 he worked in the public relations department for the Johns-Manville Corporation. A naturalized citizen, he served in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division-European Theater from 1942-1946. He continued his Army career in the reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. In 1948, he was offered a position as Assistant Manager for the Waukegan Area Chamber of Commerce. Thus began his career as Chamber director, serving the communities of Seaside, Oregon, San Gabriel, Huntington Park, Ontario and Montclair. He was active in the American Legion, Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis and Red Hill Country Clubs. He retired as Executive Director of the Ontario Chamber in 1980 but returned as a consultant/acting Director for the Montclair Chamber from 1982-1988. He died Feb. 12, 1988, leaving his wife Mildred. They were married 48 years.

4.5 linear feet

Collection is open for research.

Collection is open for research during the operating hours of the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room, or by appointment. Please contact the history room in advance for access.