It was 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1931. Legendary fashion designer Nell Donnelly was headed home from work. Her chauffeur, George Blair, drove Nell’s lime green Lincoln through the streets of downtown Kansas City. When they arrived at her palatial home, George noticed a vehicle blocking the driveway. Two unfamiliar men stood on either side of it. George slammed on the brakes.

In seconds, one of the men charged at him with a gun. Two more men came running. One jumped into the backseat with Nell. The gunman took charge of the vehicle. The other man jumped in on the passenger’s side, effectively trapping George.

Nell screamed. She kicked. She fought. She thought for certain that someone would hear her. They didn’t. America’s best, most successful businesswoman, along with her chauffeur, had just been kidnapped.

“Nelly Gone: KCQ traces the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly,” by Kate Hill for the Kansas City Public Library

The book, “More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women,” by Elaine Warner

The book, “James A. Reed: Legendary Lawyer; Marplot in the United States Senate,” by J. Michael Cronan

“First A Lady,” by Jennifer Wilding for the Kansas City Star magazine

“Nelly Don’s unexpected legacy,” for the Fashion Conservatory

“Nell Donelly Reed,” Historic Missourians

“Nelly Don’s zero-waste apron design,” run-sew-read

“Nelly Don: Self made in America,” seamwork.com

The book, “The Snatch Racket,” by Carolyn Cox

The book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” by Gary M. Pomerantz

Obituary for George Blair, Kansas City Star, June 10, 1977

“Causes for hate,” The Kansas City American, Dec. 24, 1931

“Mrs. Donnelly is found, safe,” The Kansas City Times, Dec. 18, 1931

“Mrs. Donnelly’s chauffeur tells of the kidnappers’ treatment of them,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 18, 1931

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