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By Ed Duvall, Sr, ex 3DW
Summary of the History of the National Electric Supply Co. (Vitro Electronics)
This article outlines the evolution of the National Electric Supply Co. (NESCO) from a small 19th-century machine shop into a major 20th-century electronics division.
Key Historical Milestones
1880: Fred Royce and Mr. Marean established a machine shop on Water Street in Georgetown, D.C., operating as Royce and Marean. They specialized in metal work, boat engine repair, and early electrical devices. (Note: The text body cites 1880, while the concluding chronology notes 1890).
1899: The company moved to Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., and organized the National Electrical Supply Company (NESCO). Initial projects included electric doorbells, electric gas lighters, and merchandising equipment to the U.S. Government.
World War I Era: NESCO expanded its manufacturing capabilities to fulfill substantial government contracts for military and naval wireless equipment. They produced mobile radio equipment, submarine gear, and receivers like the CN-113 series.
Post-WWI & 1930s: The company played a major role in converting Washington, D.C. infrastructure from D.C. to A.C. power. By the 1930s, its retail storefront became a prominent hub for commercial operators and amateur "ham" radio enthusiasts.
1937: NESCO sold its merchandising division to General Electric Supply Company. Employees and investors took over the manufacturing shop, incorporating it as National Electrical Machine Shops, Inc. (NEMS).
World War II & Post-War Relocation: NEMS focused heavily on military production during WWII, winning three consecutive Navy "E" awards. In 1946, looking for expansion space, the company relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland.
1951–1954: NEMS merged with the Clarke Instrument Company on January 1, 1951, to combine engineering capabilities. In 1954, the company officially changed its corporate name to NEMS-CLARKE Company, Inc.
1957–1960: NEMS-CLARKE became an operating division of the Vitro Corporation of America in 1957. In 1960, the branch was formally designated as the Vitro Electronics division.
About the Author
The history was written by Ed Duvall, Sr. (EX-3DW), an amateur radio historian and former long-time NESCO employee. Duvall also worked with the Naval Research Laboratory during WWI and compiled this history using surviving company archives and employee accounts.
