The Untold Story of Nathan Seely
Nathan Thomas Seely Sr was born in New Rochelle , New York in 1893. The eldest son in a family of ten children, Nathan inherited steely determination and a drive to stand out from the crowd. He managed to finish tenth grade and by age 17 listed his profession as carpenter. As an ambidextrous young man who thought "outside of the box," Nathan would go on to establish Seely Bros Inc in 1925 with his brother, Willard, and together they would build a successful construction company in Mamaroneck... until they had the carpet yanked out from under them. This is his untold story.
The Family Who Lived In A Skinny House
Lillian Seely, Nathan's Wife - My grandmother, born in 1895, was the daughter of a Pullman Porter railroad man.. Despite having only finished the eighth grade, she was just as ambitious as my grandfather and desired all the trappings of middle class family life…to own a home, to raise her children and most importantly, to provide them a good education. She had it all until...
Tom Seely, Nathan's Son - My father, born in 1920, was a very shy, skinny, nerdy adolescent who always had his nose in a book. He loved academics and was the first African American member of the National Honor Society chapter at Mamaroneck High School. He excelled in music as well, mastering the violin, then the piano. He had a popular pretty older sister and was the star of a loving family…until his world started to fall apart.
Sugar “Sug” Seely, Nathan's Daughter - My aunt, born in 1918, was a soprano from birth. She was outgoing, optimistic and always had a smile to share. She sang her way through life and loved everything French and anything connected to opera. She scrimped and saved her pennies for singing lessons with Mezzo-Soprano Mildah Polia and dreamed of making a living on the stage…..until.
Click to preview the Homes for Colored People Brochure
