Buckland Grammar School Diploma for Carl H. Nilman, Buckland, Mass., 1916
Buckland Grammar School Diploma for Carl H. Nilman, Buckland, Mass., 1916
Item Information
Title:
Buckland Grammar School Diploma for Carl H. Nilman, Buckland, Mass., 1916
Description:
1916 grammar school diploma for Carl H. Nilman (1902-1987) is framed under glass. The actual dimensions, including the frame, are 21 inches wide by 16-3/4 inches high. The diploma is printed, except for Carl H. Nilman's name, which is written in calligraphy, and the three signatures at the bottom.Carl Nilman was born in New York State on 12 October 1902, the son of Swedish immigrants who settled in East Buckland, Mass. in the early 1900's. He made a profitable living through owning and operating theaters. His first theater was upstairs over the Buckland Town Offices, and then later moved to Shelburne Memorial Hall where he showed movies for nearly 40 years. A June 3, 1939 magazine, Boxoffice, states that Carl H. Nilman of Shelburne Falls is the new operator of the 240-seat Valatie in Valatie. Valatie is in New York State. Outdoor movies, often called drive-ins, became vogue after World War II. Nilman owned drive-ins in East Charlemont, Mass. and Northfield, Mass., as well as one in upstate New York. The drive-ins accommodated more than 100 cars, each space with its own speaker, and a screen about 60 feet by 80 feet for viewing. A resourceful man who never married, Mr. Nilman became financially well to do. In his latter years, he helped many struggling individuals and organizations. At the time of his death, 11 April 1987, he left money to the Buckland Public Library, to several other charitable causes, and thousands of dollars to Mohawk Regional Schools for scholarships. His kind image remains with those who knew him or had the benefit of his generosity. Many of his antiques, including a bed and bureau, furnish a bedroom at the Wilder Homestead, part of the Buckland Historical Society properties.
