Nelson, Carl W., 1923-
biographical statement
Carl Nelson represented the 2nd Legislative District of York County as a Democratic Member in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1959-1960. While he only served one term, he did run in 1960, 1962, and 1964. He was not successful in those elections as he was in the first. Legislatively, he focused on the state’s fiscal responsibility and sponsored a bill that would put a state tax of two cents on the Federal Income Tax which did not pass. Yet, he was still considered the “most active ‘freshman’ Representative” (Box 1, Folder 2) during his first and only term. Nelson was born in Monaghan Township, York County in 1923 and grew up during the Great Depression. He went into the Air Force for 31 months during World War II but never saw time overseas because the war ended before he received all of the necessary training. He then went on to get an education degree from Millersville State Teachers College and then a Master’s Degree in Education from Penn State University. He began teaching at Wellsville Elementary before going to teach at Mt. Wolf Junior High School, where he also became principal. He then went on to serve as principal at Manchester High School in 1953 before running for State Representative in 1958. Carl Nelson served in the House of Representatives during a time when technology was scarce and being a “people person” was all that could help a candidate. He did door-to-door campaigning, did not have an office in Harrisburg, or a district office in his hometown. He worked out of his home without any staff. He also had to take another job as a high school principal at Dover High while he served as a representative because the salary was only $3,000 per year. While in the House, Nelson served on the Game and Conservation Committee, Agriculture and Dairy Committee, and the Insurance Committee. More than anything, he was involved with the Agriculture and Dairy Committee because he was concerned about the dairy farmers in his district. Carl Nelson was well known for his church and service club work. He taught Sunday School at his local church and attended every Sunday. He also was an active member in the Lions Club. Also, Nelson served on many education boards such as the NASSP, PSEA, and NEA. During the years of 1961-1963, Nelson was the Research Analyst for the office of the Senate Majority Leader. After his career in politics, Carl Nelson continued as the principal at Dover High School where he retired in 1983. He became active on the board of trustees at the Harrisburg State Hospital for twelve years. He continued to do volunteer work, be an active member in the Democratic Party, his local church, the Lions Club, and served on the board of trustees at his local senior center. He also enjoys spending much of his time with his grandchildren.