Frances Hawkins Papers

Collection

Identifier: 95-103

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Frances Hawkins Papers contains materials gathered by Hawkins regarding her work as a teacher and Democratic politician in the state of Nevada. Materials include certificates, awards, campaign memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and additional documents cultivated by Hawkins throughout her career. In addition to teaching, Hawkins served for two years in the Nevada Assembly and was also elected onto the Mineral County School Board. The collection also includes documents regarding Democratic politics, which is primarily focused on the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the presidential election of 1988.

Dates

1939-1994

Creator

Hawkins, Frances, 1921-2001 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Advanced notice is required; contact staff to schedule access. Materials must be used onsite. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law or special donor agreement.

Biographical Note

Frances Hawkins was born on November 18, 1921, in Winnemucca, Nevada to Frances B. and Judge Leslie O. Hawkins. She attended school in Humboldt County, Nevada, graduating from Humboldt County High School in Winnemucca. She continued her education at the University of Nevada, Reno where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1943, Hawkins accepted a teaching position with the Mineral County School District, first teaching in elementary and junior high schools. Most of her career was spent in 8th grade Social Studies and Language Arts. She was active with girls' P.E. and was a coach for the girls' basketball team as well as the school play director.

Hawkins was active in politics with the Democratic Party. She served two years in the Nevada Assembly. She was also on the Mineral County School Board as well as instrumental in getting grants for the Mineral County Museum.

Hawkins died in Reno, Nevada on November 15, 2001.

[Biographical information from Hawkins' obituary, originally published in the Reno Gazette-Journal on December 13, 2001 and accessed May 8, 2020.]

Extent

3.292 Linear Feet (5 boxes, 1 oversized folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Frances Hawkins (1921-2001) was a teacher and politician in northern Nevada during the 1940s-1980s. The collection includes newspaper clippings, political reports, and other documents collected by Frances Hawkins throughout her career, documenting her accolades as a teacher, assemblywoman, and school board official.