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 second installment in a five-part interview; in this part Katie Hooks shares her knowledge of tatting, a method of handcrafting durable lace. She says she has tatted since she was twenty years old then demonstrates a trick using a bobby pin and a kleenex. At 4:15, Hooks states that she tats with her left hand, unlike most quilters. Afterwards, she teaches the interviewer, Becky Plunkett, how to do a picot stitch. Next, she references possible materials with which to make a sewing needle, such as white oak, and remembers when someone stole an outfit that her great-granddaughter sewed for her. Then at 8:28, Hooks states her birth year, 1883, and that she grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia. At 9:22 Hooks explains that she usually adds her needlework to clothing and has never tatted on stationery paper; also, she equally enjoys tatting and crocheting, although the former requires more attention. At 14:54, she reminisces about when thread was less expensive and easily sourceable and her late nieces use of the dipping technique when sewing. Then, she presents some of her work, gives Plunkett a six-stitch piece for free, and discusses how she prices her work and how she learns new patterns by counting the knots. The interview concludes with Hooks sharing more about her life, including how she once lived in Ohio and in south Georgia and that her mother grew up on a farm.
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.