Nellie Zetta (Thompson) Wheeler, 1914-1994 [RG5614.AM]

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG5614.AM:  Nellie Zetta (Thompson) Wheeler, 1914-1994

Papers, photographs, etc.:  ca. 1880s-1994

Hastings, Adams County, Neb.:  Educator, author

Size:  1.6 cu.ft.; 3 boxes

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Born on January 6, 1914 in Hastings, Nebraska, Nellie Zetta Thompson graduated from Hastings High School in 1931. She began her career in education as a teacher in Rural School District 23, just south of Hastings. Over the next several years she also taught at the schools in Seneca and Bingham, Nebraska. During this time, Thompson attended summer sessions at Hastings College as well as taking courses through the University of Nebraska Extension Service, eventually earning her Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1941 Thompson moved to Washington, D.C. to continue her education at George Washington University. She served as a lecturer in the School of Education at George Washington University while she was pursuing her Masters and Doctoral degrees. Nellie Zetta Thompson earned her Doctor of Education degree in 1954.

During and following World War II, Thompson taught English classes at the Americanization School for foreign embassy personnel and stateless refugees admitted to the United States from the various theaters of war. For more than a decade, Dr. Thompson served as Associate Editor of all professional and student publications of the National Association of Secondary-School Principals, a department of the National Education Association. For nearly a decade, Thompson served as Director of Research for the National Rehabilitation Association.

Nellie Thompson published numerous books, articles and short stories. E.P. Dutton Company of New York published several of her more widely read books including, Vitalized Assemblies: 200 programs for all occasions (1952); Your school clubs: a complete guide to 500 activities for group leaders and members (1953); and High Times: 700 suggestions for social activities (1950). Her writings also appeared in various literary, musical and religious periodicals such as The Catholic Layman published by the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in the State of New York.

While working in Washington, D.C., Thompson met Victor Wheeler. Wheeler worked for the British government, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States. After obtaining citizenship, Wheeler went to work for the Forest Products Division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Thompson and Wheeler were married on November 24, 1966. Victor Wheeler died on September 7, 1979. Nellie Zetta (Thompson) Wheeler died on March 23, 1994.*

* Obituary, The Hastings Tribune, Hastings, Neb., March 24, 1994, p. 2

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of the papers of Nellie Thompson Wheeler divided into three series: 1) Family History; 2) Published documents, writings, etc.; and 3) Miscellaneous. The bulk of the collection relates to Wheeler’s research into her family history and genealogy. Series 1 contains manuscripts, research notes, maps, photographs and miscellaneous other documents relating to the Thompson, Erdmann, Dier, Ellson and Weston families.

Series 2 contains various writings of Nellie Thompson Wheeler including manuscripts, periodical publications, and research notes. Some of Wheeler’s writings appeared in such publications as The Catholic Layman published by the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in the State of New York; The Secret Place published by the American Baptist Publication Society; and Student Life (and various other educational organs) published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Series 3 consists of three folders of miscellaneous material. Included are a handwritten religious statement and memorial notice (written by Wheeler), a musical score by Art E. Thompson, and Nellie Thompson Wheeler’s doctoral diploma from George Washington University.

DESCRIPTION

Series 1 – Family History

Box 1

Folder

1. 1. German Lineage of the Thompson Family

1. 1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

1. 1. Supplemental photos of the Erdmann and Dier Families

1. 1. English Lineage of the Thompson Family

1. 1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

1. 1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of the Ellson Family

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of the Weston Family

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of the Weston Family

1. 1. Scottish Lineage of the Thompson Family

1. 1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

1. 1. American Lineage of the Thompson Family

1. 1. Supplemental papers and memorabilia

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of Nellie Zetta Thompson

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of Arthur and Isabel Thompson

1. 1. Supplemental photographs of George and Martha Thompson

1. 1. Charter Summary – family tree of the Thompson Family

Series 2 – Published documents, writings, etc.

18. 18. Manuscript, “Request for Pilot (Aboard a Freighter in the Mediterranean),” pt. 1

18. 18. Manuscript, “Request for Pilot (Aboard a Freighter in the Mediterranean),” pt. 2

18. 18. Manuscript, “Request for Pilot (Aboard a Freighter in the Mediterranean),” pt. 3

Box 2

Folder

1. 1. Manuscript, “Request for Pilot (Aboard a Freighter in the Mediterranean),” pt. 4

1. 1. Periodical publications, related correspondence, and drafts

1. 1. Periodical publications, related correspondence, and drafts

1. 1. “Red Letter Days,” (10 volumes)

1. 1. Miscellaneous periodical publications

1. 1. Career-related bulletins and manuals

Box 3

Folder

1. 1. Career-related bulletins and manuals

1. 1. Evaluation Instrument published for testing purposes, National Institute on Workshop Standards

1. 1. Workshop notes

1. 1. Workshop pamphlets

1. 1. Tear sheets from periodical publications

Series 3 – Miscellaneous

6. 6. Obituary and religious statement, Nellie Thompson Wheeler

6. 6. Musical score by Art E. Thompson, Hastings, Nebraska

6. 6. Nellie Thompson Wheeler’s doctoral diploma from George Washington University, 1954 (see oversize)

 

ADDED ENTRIES:

Adams County (Neb.) — History

Authors — Nebraska

Education

Ellson Family

Erdmann Family

Genealogy

Hastings (Neb.) — History

Thompson Family

Weston Family

Wheeler, Nellie Zetta (Thompson), 1914-1994

 

08-22-2008   Revised EW/tmm