Dorris L. Curtis was born March 4, 1908 on a farm near Foyil, Oklahoma in Rogers County. She graduated from Foyil High School in 1925 and attended Northeastern State Teachers College at Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She was married in 1926. Later she received BSE and MSE degrees at the University of Central Arkansas (formally ASTC). She taught school before WWII, but in 1941 she resigned to work in industry for 15 years. She then resumed teaching until 1973, when she retired from the Conway School System at the age of 65.
Art came naturally to Dorris, and she used this aptitude whenever possible in her teaching. Upon retiring, she immediately enrolled in art classes at UCA, where she completed the equivalency of a degree in fine arts. She also attended classes at the Art Center in Little rock, with various visiting artists, along with Milford Zornes in Mexico, and attended other local classes. She traveled extensively and visited great museums in Europe and the USA.
When retirement date approached, Dorris scheduled a one-woman show at the Women’s Exchange in Memphis. Even so, the Conway Faculty presented her work in a school exhibit at the end of the 1973 term. An article by Ann Faris, concerning the budding artist appeared in the Arkansas Gazette, August 12, 1973. She was featured in an interview on AETN, December 3, 1973. Another one-woman exhibit was opened in the Educational Building Lounge of the Arkansas Medical Center, February 2, 1974. Since then, she has participated in many of the state exhibits (Grand Prairie Festival of Arts at Stuttgart, and the Arts and Crafts Fair at the Convention Center). She was the featured artist in an article in the Arkansas Democrat on November 7, 1975 and again on May 28, 1979.
Dorris has won her share of local and state awards, and a national award for her essay entitled, “How Art Enriches the Life of My Family” which was presented by the American Mothers Committee, Inc. Her work is represented in more than 200 private collections throughout the United States, and also in many public offices. The historical painting, Caleb Lindsey’s Cave School (property of UCA), appeared in an educational documentary entitled “Nowhere to Go But Up”. Cave School II, a part of Arkansas Tech Hallabaugh Collection of Historical Art, appeared in a historical History of Arkansas documentary on AETN. Most of her earlier works are done in acrylics, but Dorris was also an accomplished watercolorist. She specialized in paintings using quilts as a background. Some of these are on exhibit at a gallery in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Although, her early paintings were considered to be primordial, her work evolved into sophisticated folk-art, with a somewhat primitive flavor and style. Dorris remained a very active and influential artist during her era. She received many accolades for her work, and her contribution to the art world will forever be remembered and admired.
Series I
Box 1
File 1- The Etude Music Magazine, July 1932
File 2- Axel Christensen’s Piano Instruction Book for Modern Swing Music: Four Books in One, c. 1927-1937
File 3- Nick Manoloff’s Spanish Guitar Method, book no. 1, c. 1932
File 4- Kohler Elementary Studies for the Pianoforte (OP. 163, Vol. 290) by L. Kohler
File 5- Schirmer’s Library of Musical Classics, 25 easy ad progressive studies for the Pianoforte, Vol. 500, c. 1903
File 6- Through the Major Keys, short and melodious pieces for the Pianoforte by Ellen Ransom, c. 1909
File 7- Tango, Conga, Rumba, Samba for Beginners by Bernard Whitefield of the Boston Music Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, undated
File 8- Jos. Low Vol. 143 Tone Pictures for Four Hands for the Pianoforte, c. 1910
File 9- Tone Stories for Boys and Girls to Play and Sing by Daniel Rowe, c. 1910
File 10- Easy Engelmann Albums for the Piano, c. 1910
File 11- Easy Popular Music for Piano, c. 1952, 1957, 1958, 1925
File 12- The Gem Dance Folio for 1929, No. 2
File 13- Hits Through the Years, words and music
File 14- Armed Forces Song Folio, qty. 2, December 1963 & March 1964
File 15- Old popular sheet music
1. “Always You’re Near” – a waltz song, 1924
2. “Just Try to Picture Me: Back Home in Tennessee,” 1916
3. “Blue-Eyed Sally” – a ukulele arrangement, 1914
4. “Buy a Bale of Cotton: I’ve Bought Mine,” 1914
5. “Carrie and Joe” – waltz, 1893
6. “Copenhagen,” 1924
7. “The Doll Dance,” 1927
8. “Dream House” – ukulele, 1926
9. “Follow the Swallow,” 1924
10. “For My Sweetheart” – ukulele, 1926
11. “Gambler’s Blues,” 1925
12. “Get Out and Get Under the Moon,” 1928, “Ten Miles from Town” (backside), 1928
13. “I’m Lonesome For You Dear Old Pal,” 1908
14. “I Want Someone to Flirt With Me,” 1910, “Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey” and Oh That, Moonlight Guide” (both on backside), 1910
15. “I Wonder What’s Become of Sally,” 1924
16. “The One I Love: Just Can’t Be Bothered With Me” – fox trot song featured by Guy “Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, 1929
17. “Jeannine I Dream of Lilac Time” – a waltz, 1928
18. “Kiss Me Goodnight,” 1924
19. “Love Dreams of Long Ago,” 1926
20. “Love Me or Leave Me,” 1928
21. “My Blue Heaven” – a foxtrot, 1927
22. “My Little Girl”, 1925, “Ragging The Scale” (backside), 1925
23. “Nora Malone Call Me By Phone,” 2 copies, 1909
24. “Peter Pan: I Love You,” 1915
25. “Remember Me” by Irving Berlin, 1928
26. “Roses of Yesterday,” 2 copies, by Irving Berlin, 1928
27. “Star Dust,” music by Hoagy Carmichael, 1929
28. “The Story the Picture Blocks Told,” 1908
29. “Till We Meet Again,” 1928
30. “Waiting for the Telephone to Ring,” 1945
31. “Weary River,” 1929
32. unknown due to front page and title missing
File 16- Old popular sheet music, music only
1. “Weary River,” 1929
2. “In A Rush,” 1925
3. “Jolly Girls (Galop),” 1873
4. “Minuet in G” by L. Van Beethoven, 1909
5. “Nodding Flowers,” 1926
6. “Schutzen Marsch,” 1876
7. “Sweet Lavender,” 1910
File 17- Sheet music of songs from the 1950’s
1. “Butterfly,” 1957
2. “Don’t Forbid Me,” recorded by Pat Boone, 1956
3. “The Green Door,” 1956
4. “Knee Deep in the Blues,” 1957
5. “Poor Boy,” recorded by Elvis Presley, 1956
6. “Too Much,” recorded by Elvis Presley, 1956
7. “You Belong to Me,” words and music by Pee Wee King, 1952
8. “You, You, You,” 1952
File 18- Six music-writing books
File 19- Two music-writing books
File 20- Music Magazines
1. Songs That Will Live Forever, January 1954
2. Song Fan Magazine, Vol. 1 #1, March 1954
3. Song Hits Magazine, Vol. 18 #2, September 1954
4. Country Song Roundup, Vol. 10 #57, November 1958
5. Country Song Roundup, Vol. 11 #58, January 1959
6. Folk and Country Songs, Vol. 3 #13, December 1958
7. Song Hits, Vol. 22 #8, March 1959
8. Rhythm and Blues, Vol. 8 #40, April 1959
9. Rock and Roll Songs, Vol. 4 #17, May 1959
10. Rock and Roll Songs, Vol. 4 #20, November 1959
File 21- “Eagles and Diesels: the signs of the times on Missouri Pacific Lines” by Thomas T. Railey, c. 1954
File 22- Notes for speech on song writing at Writers Conference, 1957
File 23- “Caravan Souvenir Folio,” 1950’s?
File 24- Correspondence: National Songwriter’s Guild, 1959-1960
File 25- BMI Music World, a magazine, fall 1988
File 26- Country Music Magazine, July-August 1998
File 27- Songs by Dorris Curtis, 1959-1960
1. “Baby, It’s Your Time To Be Blue”
2. “Banjoes of Old Arkansas”
3. “Believin’ Stephen”
4. “Big Ditch”
5. “Black Hearted Beulah”
6. “Crazy Jealous Heart”
7. “Dan IV”
8. “Dig”
9. “When I Walk: Down By Your Place”
10. “Earth Shakin’ Event”
11. “First Love”
12. “First Thing In The Morning”
13. “The Ghost of Spring”
14. “Got You: Got No Problems”
15. “Heartaches”
16. “Hidin’ My Feelings From You”
17. “How Much Is A Measure of Love”
18. “I Am The Wiser”
19. “I Can’t Dream Anymore”
20. “I Didn’t Cry”
21. “I Found a Penny”
22. “I Got Tennessee Rock In My Shoes”
23. “I’ve Been Through It All”
24. “I’ve Got a Lifetime Pass to Happiness”
25. “I Want to Know How It Feels”
26. “I Wish You Could See Me Now”
27. “Jukebox Queen”
28. “Lady Bug Cha Cha”
29. “Little Angel, I Have Fallen”
30. “Little Blue House”
31. “Little Lorita”
32. “Lonely Girl”
33. “Lonesome Fool”
34. “Mister West Wind”
35. “My Baby’s This High”
36. “My House Is Made of Sea Shells”
37. “Oh! But I Do”
38. “Maybe It’s, Only the Weather”
39. “Please Bring Me A Dolly: A Letter to Santa”
40. “Rock-a, Rock-a Lullaby”
41. “Song of Love”
42. “Stealing Sugar”
43. “Truly, Truly, Truly In Love”
44. “Too Young for Heartaches”
45. “Two Little Brothers”
46. “Sin, Suffer, and Repent”
47. “Sky West and a Windin’”
48. “The Uncharted Ocean”
49. “Wagon Greasin”
50. “Watch Out! I’m Gettin’ Ready for Love”
51. “Who Am I?”
52. “You Bum”
File 28- Calypso songs by Dorris Curtis
1. “Crazy Maizy”
2. “Suda, De Naughty Barracuda”
3. “Trinidad Baby”
File 29- Folk Songs
1. “Arkansas Traveler” – arrangement
2. “Wagon Greasin’”
3. “Old Cotton Picker”
4. “My House Is Made of Sea Shells”
5. “A Boy Named Jim and a Girl Names Sally” – authentic folklore
6. “Little Lorita”
7. “Sure As I’m A Livin’”
8. “Some People Say”
9. “Losin’ Time”
10. “Long Tall Lena”
11. “Black Hearted Beulah”
File 30- Popular and un-popular songs
1. “City Rebel”
2. “Lonesome”
3. “Poor Ol’ Lonesome Heart”
4. “My Winter Heart”
5. “Restless Heart”
6. “Winter Time”
7. “Measure of Love”
8. “First Love”
9. “Rainbow”
10. “One Robin”
11. “Honeymoon Song”
12. “Lullaby”
13. “Moon”
14. “Little Bitty Woman”
15. “I Knew It”
16. “Brigade of the Blues”
17. “School O’ Fools”
18. “Blabber Mouth”
19. “I Want A Man”
20. “Gypsy Man”
21. “Tennessee Rock”
22. “Xmas Rock-n-Roll”
File 31- Spiritual songs by Dorris Curtis
1. “Psalm XXIII”
2. “Mother of Jesus”
File 32- Songs for first grade by Dorris Curtis
1. “Halloween Witches”
2. “North Wind”
3. “Old Mr. Gobble-Gobble”
4. “Christmas Night”
End of Box 1
Series I
Box 2
File 1- Back covers intended for publicity
File 2- Adult songs by Dorris Curtis
1. “Sad Man”
2. “Brigade of the Blue”
3. “My Winter Heart”
4. “Don’t Cry for Me”
5. “The Blue Road”
6. “Temple of Love”
7. “I Want A Man”
8. “Baby, It’s Your Time to Be Blue”
9. “Make Me A Millionaire”
10. “Don’t Bug Me, Baby”
11. “I Don’t Fool Around, With Dollies Anymore”
12. “Tough Cat”
13. “Mockery of Love”
14. “I’ve Been Had”
15. “City Rebel”
16. “Rainbow” – 3 copies
17. “All the Time”
18. “Banjoes of Old Arkansas”
19. “Love is A Precious Thing”
20. “How Much is a Measure of Love?”
21. “The Blue Road”
22. “Wintertime”
23. “Whang Doodle Blues”
24. “Lonesome”
File 3- The Arkansas Traveler Song Collection, 2 copies
File 4- Psalm XXIII
File 5- Rodeo songs by Dorris Curtis
File 6- Teen tunes by Dorris Curtis, 2 copies and a set of originals
1. “Poky Joe”
2. “Lee O’Brian”
3. “Peaches”
4. “Little Golden Girl”
5. “We Are Too Young”
6. “Red Velvet Shoes”
7. “Beep Beep A Doo Da”
8. “Juliana”
9. “Watch Out, I’m Getting Ready for Love”
10. “Spotlight Dance”
11. “Hey, Little Freshman”
12. “Stealin’ Sugar”
13. “Wishing Tree”
14. “The Chapter That I Wrote in Tears”
15. “Blue Senior”
16. “Cry, Baby, Cry”
File 7- Songs sent to Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI)
1. “The Blue Road”
2. “Don’t Bug Me, Baby”
3. “Don’t Cry for Me”
4. “Just Loving You, Loving You”
5. “La Dee Da” – 2 copies
6. “My Baby’s, This High”
7. “Answer With Your Heart”
8. “Sit Down and Tell Me All About It” – 2 copies
9. “Song of Love”
File 8- Good songs
1. “All the Time”
2. “City Rebel”
3. “First Love”
4. “Gypsy Man” – 3 copies
5. “How Much Is A Measure of Love” – 2 copies
6. “I’m An Old Cotton Picker” – 2 copies
7. “Lullaby Of The Bayou” – 3 copies
8. “My Winter Heart”
9. “Wintertime” – 2 copies
10. “One Robin Never Made a Spring”
11. “XXIII Psalms”
12. “Rainbow”
13. “Wagon Greasin’”
File 9- Copyrights, 1950-1960
File 10- Royalty statements from Broadcast Music Inc., 1961-1973
File 11- Songwriter’s contract, 1962-1963
File 12- Handheld musical instruments
Envelope 1 – Brass finger cymbals, 2 pair
Envelope 2 – Hardwood castanets, 2 pair
Envelope 3 – 5” x 7” blk/whi Photo – Dorris Curtis presenting appreciation cake to KVOM Morrilton Radio Disc Jockey – 1958
End of Box 2
Series I
Box 3
File 1- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “The Wiser”
2. “Take A Girl, Take A Boy”
3. “I Knew It”
4. “School O’ Fools”
5. “Just Loving You”
6. “The Real Thing”
File 2- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Lonesome”
2. “XXIII Psalms”
3. “Peapicker”
4. “Wiser”
5. “I Knew It”
6. “School O’ Fools”
7. “Just Loving You”
8. “I Want A Man”
File 3- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Peapicker” – male voice
2. “Brigade of The Blues” – male voice
3. “Lil’ Bitty Woman” – male voice
4. “Stealin’ Sugar” – male voice
5. “Don’t Cry For Me” – male and female voice
6. “Crazy Jealous Heart” – male and female voice
7. “I’ve Been Through It All” – male and female voice
8. “Blue Road” – male voice
File 4- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “If You Love Me Then Love Me”
2. “Forever And Ever Cha Cha”
3. “Losin’ Time”
4. “I Knew It”
5. “Come On and Hold My Hand”
6. “School O’ Fools”
7. “Just Loving You”
8. “The Real Thing”
File 5- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Wintertime”
2. “Come On And Hold My Hand”
3. “Poky Joe”
4. “Lee O’ Brian”
5. “Wishing Tree”
6. “The Chapter I Wrote in Tears”
7. “Red Velvet Shoes”
8. “Temple Of Love”
9. “Gypsy Man”
10. “Blue Senior”
11. “Truly In Love (Boy)”
12. “Spotlight Dancer”
File 6 – Bad Tape
File 7- Christmas Music- organ
File 8- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Poky Joe”
2. “Lee O’ Brian”
3. “Wishing Tree”
4. “The Chapter That I Wrote in Tears”
5. “Red Velvet Shoes”
6. “Temple Of Love”
7. “Gypsy Man”
8. “Blue Senior”
File 9- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Little Girl Lost” – master copy
2. “Uncharted Ocean”
3. “Little Girl Lost” by Dorris Curtis
4. “Believin’ Stephen”
5. “The Wiser”
6. “I Knew It”
7. “Just Lovin’ You”
8. “Got You”
9. “Hey Lil’ Freshman” – off melody
File 10- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Brigade of the Clues”
2. “Little Bitty Woman”
3. “Too Young For Heartaches”
4. “Stealin’ Sugar”
5. “Lonesome Heart”
6. “Don’t Cry For Me”
7. “Crazy Jealous Heart”
8. “Flame Of Blue”
9. “I’ve Been Thru It All”
10. “Little Girl Lost”
11. “Blue Road”
12. “Uncharted Ocean”
13. “Little Bitty Woman”
14. “Too Young For Heartaches”
15. “Stealin’ Sugar”
16. “Lonesome Heart”
17. “Don’t Cry For Me”
18. “Crazy Jealous Heart”
19. “Flame Of Blue”
20. “I’ve Been Thru It All”
File 11- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Blue Pillow”
2. “Believin’ Stephen”
3. “Little Girl Lost”
4. “Uncharted Ocean”
5. “PeaPicker”
6. “Gonna Walk That Path”
7. “Spooked”
8. “Poker Face”
9. “Santa Bring Me A Dolly”
10. “Lonesome”
11. (unknown)
12. “Honey Bee”
File 12- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Gary
2. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Gary and Linda
3. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Bobby
4. “Blue Pillow”
5. “Wildfire”
6. “I Wish You Could See Me Now”
7. “Believin’ Stephen”
8. “Julianna” – partly erased
9. “Peaches”
10. “Mama Mama” – boy singer
11. “Mama Mama” – girl singer
File 13- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Lonesome”
2. “XXIII Psalm”
3. “I Knew It”
4. “School O’ Fools”
5. “Just Loving You”
File 14- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Wintertime”
2. “Come On And Hold My Hand”
3. “Poky Joe”
4. “Lee O’Brian”
5. “Wishing Tree”
6. “The Chapter That I Wrote In Tears”
7. “Red Velvet Shoes”
8. “Temple Of Love”
9. “Gypsy Man”
10. “Blue Senior” – Billie Lou
11. “Truly, Truly, Truly” – Ralph Hazelwood
12. “Spotlight Dance” – 4 jacks
File 15- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Brigade”
2. “Little Bitty Woman” – Gary
3. “Too Young For Heartaches”
4. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Gary
5. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Gary and Luke
6. “Lonesome Heart” – Gary and Luke
7. “Don’t Cry For Me”
8. “Crazy Jealous Heart” – Linda
9. “Flame of Blue”
10. “I’ve Been Thru It All”
11. “Blue Road” – Gary
12. “Uncharted Ocean”
File 16- Reel to Reel Tapes, ¼” x 1200 ft.
1. “Don’t Cry For Me” – Kenny Marlow
2. “Poky Joe”
3. “Lee O’Brian”
4. “Wishing Tree” – Kenny Marlow
5. “The Chapter That I Wrote In Tears”
6. “Red Velvet Shoes”
7. “Temple Of Love”
8. “Gypsy Man
9. “Blue Senior” – Kenny Marlow
10. “Truly, Truly, Truly In Love”
11. “Spotlight Dance”
File 17- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. “Wishing Tree”
2. “Gypsy Man”
3. “Stealin’ Sugar” – boy and girl
4. “Peaches”
File 18- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. “Wagon Greasin”
2. “Blabber Mouth” – slow
3. “Blabber Mouth” – fast
4. “Heartaches, They Tell Me”
5. “Love Me Tonight”
6. “That’s What You Think”
7. “Cry Baby Cry” – Marty
File 19- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. Songs unknown
File 20- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. “Little Bitty Woman” – Gary
2. “Stealin’ Sugar” – Gary and Linda
File 21- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. “Brigade Of The Blues”
2. “Just Loving You”
3. “Restless Heart”
4. “Love Me Forever”
File 22- Reel to Reel Tapes, 5” x 600 ft.
1. “Come On and Hold My Hand”
2. “Too Young To Be Blue” – Bayou State Publication
3. “Honey Do”
4. “I Wanna To Know How It Feels” – Cedarwood Publication
5. “You Bum”
6. “I Wanna Know How It Feels” – Cedarwood Publication
7. “PeaPicker”
File 23- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Wishing Tree”
2. “Gypsy Man”
File 24- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Peaches”
File 25- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Lonesome Heart”
2. “Don’t Cry For Me”
File 26- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Just Lovin’ You” – male and female
File 27- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Heartshop”
File 28- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Heartaches” – Betty
File 29- Reel to Reel Tapes, 3” x 150 ft.
1. “Blue Senior”
End of Box 3
Series I
Box 4
File 1- Record Discs
1. “Blabber Mouth Sidewalk Stroll” Dorris Curtis (Side A) and “You and I are in the Same Mood” by Ted Edlin (Side B), 2 copies, 45 rpm
2. “Blue Pillow” by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
3. “I Knew It” by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
4. “Sad Man” by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
5. “Sad Man” by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
6. “School O’ Fools” by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
7. “Too Young to be Blue” by Dorris Curtis (Side A) and “High School Days” by Rentz-Frazier-Chevalier (Side B), 45 rpm
8. “When I Walk Down by Your Place” (Side A) and “I Looked Away” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 45 rpm
9. “I’m an Old Cotton Picker” by Dorris Curtis (Side A) and “I Want a Man” by Dorris Curtis and Lillian Robbins (Side B), 33 1/3” rpm
10. “Wagon Greasin’” (Side A) and “I’ve Waited Long Enough” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 33 1/3” rpm
11. “Blue Pillow” by Dorris Curtis (Side A) and an unlabeled song (Side B), 78 rpm
12. “I Knew It” (Side A) and “School O’ Fools” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 78 rpm
13. “I’m an Old PeaPicker” and “I Want A Man” by Dorris Curtis, 2 discs recorded on one side only, 78 rpm
14. “The Lord is My Shepherd”
15. “Wagon Greasin’” (Side A) and “PeaPickers” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 3 copies, 78 rpm
16. “We Are Too Young to be Blue” by Dorris Curtis
17. “Wishing Tree” (Side A) and “Red Velvet Shoes” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 78 rpm
18. “Suda, de Naughty Barracuda” by Dorris Curtis
19. “That’s What You Think” (Side A) and “Heart Aches” (Side B) by Dorris Curtis, 78 rpm
End of Box 4
End of Series I
Series II
Box 1
File 1- Personal biography
File 2- Art records from the beginning of 1973
File 3- The Commercial Appeal Newspaper, Sunday, January 26, 1975, regarding “Banks of Arkansas;” This from the personal library of Eddie Lovett Burns (see photo #72)
File 4- Photos
1. Mrs. D. Curtis painting “The Buddha”, 8” x 10” b/w, c. 1970
2. Mrs. D. Curtis first One-Man Art Show at the Ellen Smith Elementary School in Conway Arkansas, May 1973
3. Mrs. D. Curtis, Faulkner County Centennial 1873-1973, 3 ½” x 4 ½” b/w, and Mrs. D. Curtis first Art Show at Ellen Smith Elementary School, 3 ½” x 3 ½” color, May 1973
4. Mrs. D. Curtis’ first art exhibit “One Man Show” at Women’s Exchange in Memphis, Tennessee, September 1973
5. Mrs. D. Curtis painting “Aunt Em’s Green Thumb” at home, 5” x 7” b/w, c. 1974
6. Mrs. D. Curtis with group of her paintings at home, 5” x 7” b/w, c. 1974
7. Mrs. D. Curtis with group of her paintings at home, 8” x 10”, b/w, c. 1974
8. Mrs. D. Curtis painting “Aunt Em’s Green Thumb” at home, 8” x 10” b/w, c. 1974
9. Dorris Curtis, 3 ½” x 3 ¾” color, c. 1985
10. R.H. Love Gallery Exhibit in Chicago, Illinois, 3 ½” x 5” color, November 2 – December 5, 1985
11. R.H. Love Gallery Exhibit in Chicago, Illinois, 3 ½” x 5” color, November 2 – December 5, 1985
12. Mrs. D. Curtis in her home studio in Conway, Arkansas, 7” x 9” b/w, January 1985
13. Mrs. D. Curtis and Secretary of State Bill McCuen at the showing of the “Battle of Pea Ridge” at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas, December 1987
14. Mrs. D. Curtis at a book signing, 3 ¾” x 4” color
15. Mrs. D. Curtis at a book signing, 4” x 6” color
16. Color photo, 4” x 6”, c. 1988
17. Mrs. Curtis & Richard Love at the American Art Forum in Chicago, Illinois, 2 ¾” x 6 ¾” b/w, October 1994
18. Mrs. D. Curtis and Dr. Win Thompson, President of the University of Central Arkansas Half Century Club, BSE 1940-1990
19. National Indian Convention at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK 3 ½ ” x 5” – March 13, 1992
20. Unveiling of painting “Pilate Washes His Hands”, Harding University in Searcy, AR, Dorris Curtis-Artist, Marcus A. Hollobaugh-donor artist, May 1992
21. New England Fine Art Institute Boston, MA then moved to Woburn, MA, then cancelled, May 1992
22. Color photo, 4” x 6”
23. Reception for Arkansas artists who furnished art for exhibit in Senator David Pryor’s Office in Washington, D.C., March 1996
24. Color photo, 8” x 10”
25. Copied page of photos, 8” x 10”
26. Painted egg color photo “Youth Home Inc. Eggshibition”-$250 bid, 4” x 6” color, by Dorris Curtis, April 2000
File 5- Conway artists exhibit is in Senator David Pryor’s Office in Washington, D.C., March 1996
File 6- Award ribbons, 1976-1986
File 7- American Mother’s Committee Awards, Certificate of Honor t Dorris Curtis, May 1976
File 8- Correspondence on art, 1974-2001
File 9- Personal correspondences on art, 1985-1999
File 10- Correspondence with Marcus A. Hollobaugh concerning paintings at the Hollobaugh Art Gallery at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas and concerning the Arkansas Post Card Collection, 1984-1992
File 11- Correspondence with R.H. Love and Larry Yust (R.H. Love Galleries Inc.), 1985-1995
File 12- Correspondence with The University of Central Arkansas, 1985-2000
File 13- The Dorris Curtis Endowment Fund, a University of Central Arkansas Foundation, summer 1996
File 14- George E. Curtis, African Artifact Collection donated to the University of Central Arkansas by Dorris Curtis, November 1999
File 15- Newspaper clippings on art, 1970’s
File 16- Newspaper clippings on art, 1980’s
File 17- Newspaper clippings on art, 1990’s-2000
File 18- The New England Fine Art Institute in Boston, MA features “Artist Angered Over Woburn Show”, May 1993
File 19- Student Interviews (3)
1. Samantha Dyer – art critique, April 1995
2. Laura Brannon – “The Foyil Store”, April 1995
3. Kristin Luyet – English/History, March 2002
End of Box 1
Series II
Box 2
File 1 – Dorris Curtis Collection Presentation at the ASU Delta Blues Symposium VIII, “Come Walk With Me”, 2003
File 2 – Dorris Curtis Collection Presentation, original photo discs
File 3 – 1 Cassette Tape & 4 Micro cassette tapes, Oral interview: Dorris Curtis, Arkansas Folk Artist, November 2001 & January 2002
File 4 – 3 ring binder – Images of Mrs. Curtis’s Art for book “Come Walk With Me”
File 5 – Photos, Negatives and Information on Mrs. Curtis’ Art used by The University of Arkansas Press To Create Book – “Come Walk With Me”
File 6 – Photos, of Mrs. Curtis’ Art
File 7 – 1st Copy, Manuscript “Come Walk With Me”: The Art of Dorris Curtis
File 8 – 2nd Copy Manuscript “Come Walk With Me”: The Art of Dorris Curtis
File 9 – Book – Come Walk With Me: The Art of Dorris Curtis
File 10 – Newspaper Account of Book-Signing – “Come Walk With Me: The Art of Dorris Curtis” Thur. June 17, 2004
File 11 – Poem – “The Dreamer” – by Dorris Curtis (in frame)
File 12 – “Fantasy” by Dorris Curtis
File 13 – Short Historical Story – “Red Hill Tavern” by Dorris Curtis
File 14 – Public Buildings and Offices Where Dorris Curtis Art is on Exhibit
End of Box 2
Series II
Box 3
Item 1 – Grand Moses Art Book by Otto Kallir
Item 2 – 14 ½” x 17 ½” [Title “Don Whoo” (Palindrome) by D. Curtis
End of Box 3
Series II
Box 4
Item 1 – Charcoal (“Grandpa”) by D. Curtis – Framed Matted 14 ½” x 19 ½” – From Art Class
Item 2 – Painting (“Grandpa”) by D. Curtis – Framed & matted (14 ½” x 19 ½”), 13 – charcoal sketch pad drawings (18” x 24”), 10 – charcoal drawings (18” x 24”), 1 – still life painting (17” x 21”)
End of Box 4
Series II
Box 5
Item 1- Original newspaper cut out from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch featuring Dorris Curtis’ daughter, Eloise Curtis, Clothing Designer and University of Central Arkansas Alumni of 1963 and donated by Gene Hatfield in November 2002
Item 2- Copy of newspaper cut out from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch featuring Dorris Curtis’ daughter, Eloise Curtis, Clothing Designer and University of Central Arkansas Alumni of 1963 and donated by Gene Hatfield in November 2002
Item 3- Picture by Dorris Curtis made with fabrics, title unknown
Item 4- Newspaper: Supplement of Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “Conway Woman Chronicle Most of 20th Century Through Art”, February 2006
Item 5- Newspaper: Log Cabin Democrat, “Art Lovers, History Collide at Faulkner County Museum”, May 2006
Item 6- Newspaper: Log Cabin Democrat, June / July issue of Women’s Inc., May 2006
Item 7- Magazine: Women’s Inc, “The Art of Living”, June and July 2006
End of Box 5
Series II
Box 6
Item 1 – VHS Tape – “American Art Forum” Richard Love, Yolanda Saul, Carol Hammer, & Dorris Curtis – 1 original and 2 copies – 1994 26.45 min
Item 2 – VHS Tape – “Karen Craig Documentary” Dept. of Drama & Communications
Item 3 – VHS Tape – “Images of Arkansas” and “American Art Forum” (1 original – 1 copy)
Item 4 – VHS Tape – “Arkansas Today” with Beth Ward guest of Mrs. Dorris Curtis Subject – Book Skammy Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
Item 5 – VHS Tape – “Pat Larson (University of Central Ark.) and Mrs. Dorris Curtis and Art Work
Item 6 – 3 ring binder – Index of Mrs, Dorris Curtis’ Art work on UCA Campus
End of Box 6
End of Series II
Series III
Box 1
File 1- Letters to editors
File 2- State Song of 1963, “Arkansas” by Mrs. Eva Ware Barnett, 1916
File 3- Pioneers and Makers of Arkansas by Josiah H. Shinn, 1967
File 4- Magazine: Lost Treasure, article entitled “Arkansas: Gold and Silver Relics!” (December 1988) and newspaper clippings on W.C. Jameson’s book
File 5- Plaque: 3rd Place presented to Mrs. Dorris Curtis for a quilt piece entitled “Working in Arkansas” submitted for an Arkansas Quilt Contest, June 1986
File 6- UCA Campus Contact, Mrs. Dorris Curtis presents to the University of Central Arkansas President, Jeff Farris, a quilt she made to celebrate the state’s sesquicentennial, November 1986
File 7- Scrapbook: Conway League of Artists “A Sesquicentennial Exhibit of Historical Paintings”, June 1986
End of Box 1
End of Series III
Series IV
Box 1
File 1- Magazine: Railroad, Vol. 52 #2, pg. 88, Profane Angel and the Glory Train by Dorris Curtis, July 1950
File 2- Copied thesis by Dorris L. Curtis (1908) The organization and evaluation of the ungraded Primary School at Mayflower, c. 1962
File 3- Faulkner Facts and Fiddlings, Vol. 15 #3, pg. 71, “The Night the Bulls Ran Wild in Russellville” by Mrs. Geo Dorris Curtis, fall 197
File 4- Manuscript by Dorris Curtis: “Mystery of Red Hill” west of Conway, Arkansas on the Arkansas River
File 5- Life magazine article entitled “The Miracle of Greece”, January 4, 1963
File 6- First draft: Skammy: Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
File 7- Manuscript (typed with corrections): Skammy: Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
File 8- Skammy, submissions to the publishers
File 9- Skammy rejections by publishers
File 10- Skammy by Dorris Curtis and published by the University of Central Arkansas Press, 1988
File 11- Original drawings: Skammy illustrations by Dorris Curtis
File 12- Manuscript: Skammy: Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
File 13- Manuscript #3: Skammy: Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
File 14- Skammy by Dorris Curtis and announcements of arrival at bookstore, published by the University of Central Arkansas Press, 1988
File 15- Videocassette: Skammy: Prince of Troy by Dorris Curtis
File 16- Skammy, correspondence from family and friends, 1988
File 17- Poems by the Lafferty Clan, 3 copies, by Harold E. Lafferty, Dorris Curtis, and Alice L. Mackley, 1991
File 18- Journal of Nannie Hodge from Dutch Mills, Arkansas, a teacher in a one room school in 1898. She was the mother of Dorris Curtis. The diary is expanded through notes added to the diary by Dorris Curtis, 1972
End of Box 1
End of Series IV
End of Collection