American Biographical Institute Biographical Information
P.O. Box 226 on J. Shelton Gordon
Raleigh, NC 27602

Dear Sirs:

The following information may be of assistance to you in writing up
the biography of the undersigned that you have requested.
John Shelton Gordon was born in Chicago III. June 4th 1896. His
parents were Arthur J. Gordon and Ida Chaffin Gordon. The family moved
to Pasadena California in about 1900. Shelton having his fifth birthday
in California. He attended the Pasadena City Schools in Pasadena and
graduated from the Pasadena High School in 1916.

Shortly thereafter World War 1 started. He took a position as a
Y.M.C.A Secretary in the active war work of the association. Providing
facilities and recreation for the troops as they poured into the various
camps in Southern California. After several months of intensive work in
helping serve the troops in their religious and personal needs thru the
Y.M.C.A he resigned and joined the U.S. Navy. Serving in the Medical
Corps until released in 1919.

On August 16th 1920 he married Viola Foster. They then went to
Chicago and enrolled in the Fall at the University of Chicago. They re-
turned to Pasadena California in 1923 and on January First 1924, J. Shelton
Gordon started his business as a General Building Contractor.
He was active in the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and his
church. In about 1932 he assisted in the starting of the Building Con-
tractor's Association of California. This organization is now named
the B.I.A. of California. It, thru the years has become a very powerful
organization for the good of the building business. Recently J. Shelton
Gordon was awarded a life time Directorship in the Building Industry
Association of California. The plaque said, "For his outstanding service
to the association the construction industry and the community. As a charter
member he has contributed to the growth of his profession and the upgradin
of the industry." May' 29, 1968

J. Shelton Gordon has had a well rounded experience in all types of
light and heavy construction work. Having contracted for fine homes, stores,
apartments, commercial buildings and schools, and other public works.
During World War II he took a position with various firms engaged,in
cantonment construction for the U.S. Engineers. His position being that
of construction superintendent. As the need phased out for war work he
again came back to Pasadena and engaged in private construction in that
city.

In 1945, he also became interested in the opportunities for growth
and expansion in Antelope Valley. Opening up an office in Pairndale Calif-
ornia. Although the Pasadena office was active until 1955.
Thru the good offices of an old school friend (Wm. J. McAdam Sr.)
Shelton and Viola bought considerable vacant land in and about Pairndale.
Also buying land south and west of the Pairndale Lake and west of present
Antelope Valley Freeway. They moved permanently to their present residence
in 1950. Being active at that time in the building business in both
Pasadena and Pairndale. Then in 1955 concentrating on Pairndale and Antelope
Valley. His son John Shelton Gordon Jr. was associated with him in the
building business for many years. Then in approximately 1962, they grad-
ually phased out of the build.ing part of the business. John Jr. going
into the insurance business with Henry Anthony. Forming a firm known as
Anthony and Gordon with offices here in Pairndale.

J. Shelton Gordon then spent his time and attention on the real
estate side of the business. Also in the meantime they had built stores,
apartments, and a motel which they own. This has needed care and adminis-
tration. It has been a particular satisfaction to see the Ana Verde Hills
area develop into a fine rural residential neighborhood. Shelton and
Viola still hold considerable fine residential property in the Ana Varde
Hills Area waiting for parties that want to enjoy the climate and view
and want to build good homes.

During these years in Pairndale and Antelope Valley, J. Shelton Gordor
has been active in church work. Chamber of Commerce and various community
activities. He has been President of the Pairndale Chamber of Commerce,
active in the Antelope Valley Kiwanis Club and is a member of the Pairndale
First Methodist Church. In the meantime he kept up his interest in the
Building Contractor's Association in which he had done so much work during
the many years. He was an advocate of a contractors license in the early
1930's and was issued an early license on July 1, 1931 being number #183.
His license is still active and is probably one of the very few now being
used with so low a number.

Of particular satisfaction has been his association with the Antelope
Valley Board of Trade. This organization was formed in 1958 as a need for
better understanding of the industrial and commercial development of the
valley. Formed at a time when the government aircraft contracts had at
that time phased out (causing a great deal of economic hardship). The
Antelope Valley Board of Trade thru spending large amounts of time and
money has been able to bring Antelope Valley back to an unusual dramatic
upsurge in the local economy that promises to be of a steady rapid growth
and expansion. He has been president twice of this valuable organization
and a director since its inception.

J. Shelton Gordon and his wife Viola F. Gordon also live in Ana
Verde Hills. Their house was badly damaged by fire in 1967. But they
rebuilt a new home just the way they wanted it. They enjoy their personal
and business contacts thru their various activities. They are very thankf
that their son and his wife and their daughter and her husband live here
also in Pairndale. Thus being able to see the grandaughters and grandsons
grow up to be fine young people. Once in a while they think back to the
time when Pairndale had about 500 population and about 100 crank telephones
But their main outlook is the present and toward the exciting future of
Antelope Valley and of the Nation.

Sincerely

J. Shelton Gordon

1886 -:- -:- -:- 1936
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Wicks colony, 1883, drew from Scotland.
Kingsbury colony, 1885-90, from England.
Old Palmdale colony, 1886-88, German Lutherans.
John Brown's two colonies, 1888, from midwest.
Fairmont, 1890, from near Chicago.
Llano-Big Rock, 1890, mostly Quakers.
Manzanna, 1891, from midwest.
Palmer & Chapin, 1892-93, from other parts of
California.
Sweet & Wilson, 1894, readen of a magazine.
Llano, 1914, Job Harriman's Socialistic experiment.
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Half a Century of Progress