Archives West Finding Aid

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.