The John Burrison Georgia Folklore Archive recordings contains unedited versions of all interviews. Some material may contain descriptions of violence, offensive language, or negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. There are instances of racist language and description, particularly in regards to African Americans. These items are presented as part of the historical record. This project is a repository for the stories, accounts, and memories of those who chose to share their experiences for educational purposes. The viewpoints expressed in this project do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the Atlanta History Center or any of its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The Atlanta History Center makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interviews and expressly disclaims any liability therefore. If you believe you are the copyright holder of any of the content published in this collection and do not want it publicly available, please contact the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center at 404-814-4040 or reference@atlantahistorycenter.com.
This is the fourth installment in a five-part interview; in this part Lara Chupp shares her knowledge of tatting, a method of handcrafting durable lace, which she practiced for over forty years. Chupp begins by teaching the interviewer, Becky Plunkett, to tat using two shuttles, then she recalls Mrs. Annison, an old neighbor who helped her perfect a scalloped hem in tatting. At 4:25, she remembers buying multiple crochet books in her youth, then she demonstrates another tatting technique. At 9:00, Chupp states that her mother and sisters embroidered but lacked the patience to tat or crochet. She also classifies a stitch and explains how to count stitches. Next at 11:16, she returns to the topic of Mrs. Anniston; compares the methods of learning new patterns through observation versus through instructional books; and explains how she fastens tatting onto garments. At 17:55, Chupp talks about shuttles, namely her preference for plastic shuttles with a pick on the end, alternative construction materials, and early versions of the pick. Afterwards at 20:53, she considers tatting in modern day as compared to how important it was in the past because it was more necessary. Chupp then states that, on average, she completes a yard of tatting per day. At 22:46, Chupp remembers male veterans who crocheted as a form of therapy. After referring to quilting advertisements from local magazines, she explains that she often tats during fishing trips with her husband; that she prefers tatting to crocheting, even if it requires more time; and that she has never tatted onto stationery. After a brief silence, at 31:23 Chupp shares her method for choosing thread colors and predicts a tatting revival. She also shares her thoughts on the winging technique and reflects on early experiences, including tatting with friends, teaching her sister to tat, and tatting trends in her hometown. The interview concludes with Chupp recalling the lost art of knitted lace.
Katie L. Hooks (1884-?) was born in an unknown city in Georgia; by 1950, she had relocated to Atlanta, where she lived with her husband Lucis H. Hooks. Lydia Stafford (1945-?) was born in an unknown city in Georgia. By 1950, she lived in Laurens, Georgia, with her parents Alfred L. Stafford and Louise Stafford. Lily D. Smith (1895-?) was born in Norman, North Carolina, and lived in Richmond by 1935. She married Wiley Smith, with whom she had five children: Franklin, Nellie, Lily May, Roberta, and Nell. Rebecca Becky Y. Plunkett (1951-2001) was born to William Hugh Young (1918-1982) and Alma Lucille Young (1918-2009) in Birmingham, Alabama. She married Daniel Plunkett (1950- ) and had three children. Plunkett graduated from Georgia State University. Additional biographical information has not been determined.
No transcript exists for this recording.
Professor John Burrison founded the Atlanta Folklore Archive Project in 1967 at Georgia State University. He trained undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in his folklore curriculum to conduct oral history interviews. Students interviewed men, women, and children of various demographics in Georgia and across the southeast on crafts, storytelling, music, religion, rural life, and traditions.
As archivists, we acknowledge our role as stewards of information, which places us inaposition to choose how individuals and organizations are represented and described in our archives. We are not neutral, andbias isreflected in our descriptions, whichmay not convey the racist or offensive aspects of collection materialsaccurately.Archivists make mistakes and might use poor judgment.We often re-use language used by the former owners and creators, which provides context but also includes bias and prejudices of the time it was created.Additionally,our work to use reparative languagewhereLibrary of Congress subject termsareinaccurate and obsolete isongoing. Kenan Research Center welcomes feedback and questions regarding our archival descriptions. If you encounter harmful, offensive, or insensitive terminology or description please let us know by emailingreference@atlantahistorycenter.com. Your comments are essential to our work to create inclusive and thoughtful description.