Doris Lyons Hoover Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0761

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

The papers are contained in five Hollinger boxes and measures 1.66 linear feet. They are comprised of personal correspondence, newspaper clippings and articles about Doris Hoover, a CD of hundreds of photos of her creative works, as well as copies of the books she wrote. Her personal correspondence includes letters and postcards from other well-known artists such as Bets Ramsey and Jean Ray Laury. Bets Ramsey is an award-winning quilter, lecturer, and author. She was the founder and director of the Southern Quilt Symposium and curated major annual quilt exhibits for many (17) years. Jean Ray Laury was an influential early modern American quiltmaker, freelance designer, lecturer, and author of several books. Of special interest are the Hoover family Christmas cards, dating from the 1950s through the 1980s, all designed by Doris.

Dates

multiple

Biographical Note

Doris M. Lyons was born in 1928 in Fort Payne, Alabama to Wilburn and Marion Lyons. She grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, graduating with an art (painting) degree in the late 1940s. She married Jack L. Hoover in 1949, moved to California in 1952, and they have three daughters.

Doris Lyons Hoover is a retired textile/fabric artist, writer, and teacher. She is especially known for her quilts, tassels, and potholders. She is the author and illustrator of “Too Hot to Handle: Potholders and How to Make Them” (1993), and co-author of “Tassels” (1978). She also taught a variety of classes including creativity seminars and fiber arts workshops. In the 1960s she co-founded the Peninsula Stitchery Guild and later served as its president.