The collection contains three series: C. Nelson Smith Company Records, Other Papers of Thomas J. Fleming, and the Harold J. Fleming Papers.
The C. Nelson Smith Company Records, the bulk of the collection, consists of the correspondence (1922-1935) of the company, which manufactured D-O-D, powdered medicine advertised as capable of curing every human ailment from sore throat to gangrene, as well as most animal diseases. Business correspondence includes: Thomas Fleming's recommendations to purchasers for treatment of various diseases, his suggestions to local sales representatives about various diseases, his suggestions to local sales representatives about potential customers to contact, and his letters to government officials and others written as a representative of West Allis businessmen; letters from purchasers concerning results of using D-O-D; correspondence concerning supplies; and D-O-D testimonials. An undated advertising pamphlet, a few financial records (1922-1929, 1938), and a legal document regarding The United States vs. the C. Nelson Smith Company (1931) are among the company records.
The Other Papers of Thomas J. Fleming include letters reflecting his political activities in the decade 1920 to 1930 during which he was a delegate to the national Democratic conventions, state Democratic Party treasurer, and candidate for state senator. Of particular political interest are copies of letters written by P. H. Callahan, varnish manufacturer, prominent Catholic layman, and pro-prohibition leader, to newspaper editors, politicians, government officials, and church leaders to advocate that prohibition remain in force. Among Fleming's few personal papers is an inventory of his estate (1935).
The Harold J. Fleming Papers concern his business, social, and civic interests. Letters from the R.W. Allen Company, Inc. pertain to his A & W Root Beer Stores franchise. Other letters refer to the American Legion, to the Red Cross, and to political activities, social events, and sports, particularly local bowling teams and scores. Financial records kept while he was secretary/treasurer of the Fairview Country Club and a few copies of The West Allis News (1938), a small mimeographed sheet containing news of local events and community gossip edited by the Flemings, are also filed among Harold's papers.
