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. German Lineage of the Thompson Family

    1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

    1. Supplemental photos of the Erdmann and Dier Families

    1. English Lineage of the Thompson Family

    1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

    1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

    1. Supplemental photographs of the Ellson Family

    1. Supplemental photographs of the Weston Family

    1. Supplemental photographs of the Weston Family

    1. Scottish Lineage of the Thompson Family

    1. Supplemental maps, documents and photographs

    1. American Lineage of the Thompson Family

    1. Supplemental papers and memorabilia

    1. Supplemental photographs of Nellie Zetta Thompson

    1. Supplemental photographs of Arthur and Isabel Thompson

    1. Supplemental photographs of George and Martha Thompson

    1. Charter Summary – family tree of the Thompson Family



Series 2 – Published documents, writings, etc.




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

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

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



Box 2

Folder




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

    1. Periodical publications, related correspondence, and drafts

    1. Periodical publications, related correspondence, and drafts

    1. “Red Letter Days,” (10 volumes)

    1. Miscellaneous periodical publications

    1. Career-related bulletins and manuals



Box 3

Folder




    1. Career-related bulletins and manuals

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

    1. Workshop notes

    1. Workshop pamphlets

    1. Tear sheets from periodical publications



Series 3 – Miscellaneous




    1. Obituary and religious statement, Nellie Thompson Wheeler

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

    1. 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

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.