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Nellie Nelson Papers

 Collection
Identifier: WCMss-433

Scope and Contents

The Nellie Nelson papers, dating from 1920 to 1986, contains materials for his column for the Walla Walla Union Bulletin, “The Roving Reporter.” This collection contains photographs, writings, notes, and correspondence, evidencing his work reporting on nine counties for over a decade. This collection provides insight on journalism in rural America and the rhetoric surrounding indigenous people, agriculture, and infrastructure throughout the 1930s to 1950s.

Dates

  • 1920-1982

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Nelle Nelson, born Andres Winters, was a roving reporter for the Walla Walla Union Bulletin from 1936-1950. Nelson covered one of the most extensive beats of a working reporter at the time, writing features, histories, and the news for five counties in Southeastern Washington and four in Northeastern Oregon. Nelson was born in Hector, Minnesota. Before writing for the Union Bulletin and moving to Walla Walla, Washington, Nelson had written on “Indian legends and history” in La Grande, Oregon, where he was a member of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association. There, Nelson worked with President Warren Harding to commemorate the highway built through the region, when he was a secretary treasurer. Most of Nelson’s writing appeared on Sundays in an illustrated, two-page spread. In 1950, Nelson fell ill and was hospitalized. He stopped writing shortly after, and passed away shortly after that. Nelson was survived by his wife, Floy Nelson, two children, and several grandchildren.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (2 record cartons)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Nellie Nelson Papers contains records from Nelson's Walla Walla Union Bulletin column "The Roving Reporter," in Walla Walla, Washington.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials found in collection; provenance is unknown.

Title
Guide to the Nellie Nelson Papers
Author
Mira Skladany
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Whitman College and Northwest Archives Repository

Contact:
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla WA 99362 United States
509-527-5922