CAMPBELL, J. HUGH

The Flagman Of Dallas

My granddad, J. Hugh Campbell, was born February 6, 1886, in Kansas City, Missouri. He came to Dallas in 1909 to represent the American Optical Company and worked there until 1917, when he moved back to Kansas City and married Louise Lynn White. Louise was a widow with two children: Robert, 7 and Roberta, 3.

Hugh and Louise had one daughter, Margaret, in 1919. The family moved several times before settling in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. All the children grew up and graduated from Sunset High in Oak Cliff.

Hugh left the optical company after training at Camp Bowie and being assigned to the 36th division regiment infantry during World War I, but returned and continued working there after the war. By 1929, Hugh was earning an annual salary of $5,000. He resigned as company branch manager that same year and began investing in and promoting an asbestos mine in Arizona.

Some months later the wind of prosperity stilled, and no one wanted an asbestos mine. By 1932 Campbell was $5,000 in debt, had three children, was without a job and did not own a home.

It was the depression era and, on less than a shoestring budget, he opened an advertising novelty commission business in the Allen building. He rented a desk, ordered a typewriter on the installment plan and set out to sell calendars, pencils and yardsticks when few people wanted them.

He made $80 the first month and even less the next month. He moved from a $40 per month house to one costing $20 per month. Some days went without a single sale. His lunch consisted of a candy bar, a cup of coffee and the belief that a man’s wits are sharper when he is a little hungry.

His friend, James K. Wilson, called one day and asked where he could get a large flag by February 22nd for the George Washington bi-centennial. Hugh was delighted at the promise of an order, but soon found that flags were very difficult to find in the Dallas area; so he air mailed for a catalog and took the order for $25. Campbell reasoned that others might be interested in flags; so he canvassed the town and sold $150 worth. Business was better in 1933 with $500 in flag sales. He hit $800 in 1934, and sales reached $5,000 for the Texas Centennial.