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Doris Hancock
Doris Hancock was born on April 24, 1895, in Belfast, Washington. Her early schooling was in Clarion, Iowa where her father was in the mercantile business. Following high school graduation and passing the State Teachers’ Examination, she taught two years in a one-room schoolhouse in Belmont, Iowa. Teaching all eight grades was an exciting challenge, but she felt a calling to specialize in the primary grades. Doris happily began her long career as a kindergarten teacher in Hastings, Nebraska before being lured to Las Vegas where she continued to have a rewarding teaching experience for thirty-nine years.
Doris Hancock was honored by having a school named after her, the Doris Hancock Elementary School at Lindell and Oakey Boulevards, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was further honored when then Governor of Nevada, Richard H. Bryan, declared the 24th of April, 1985 Doris V. Hancock Day. Doris Hancock passed away, she was 91.
More about Doris
The following information was taken directly from the UNLV, University Libraries Special Collections and Archives, "Guide to the Doris Hancock Photograph Collection".
Photos and citations, as well as other materials of the collection may be available for public view by clicking HERE.
Abstract:
The Doris Hancock Photograph Collection (1882-1987) contains photographs of Las Vegas, Nevada educator Doris Hancock and her family. The collection includes images of Southern Nevada and surrounding areas, particularly the mining town of Rhyolite, Nevada, the Colorado River, the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, Red Rock Canyon, early Las Vegas, and Death Valley, California.
Biographical Note:
Doris Hancock arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada in December 1924, with the intention of only staying for six
months. She accepted a temporary position teaching kindergarten at John S. Park School, but decided to stay
in Las Vegas. She taught kindergarten there for 39 years.
Before coming to Las Vegas, Hancock taught in Iowa, South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, and Nebraska.
She received her degree from Colorado State College of Education at Greeley and took advanced training in
Arizona, Utah, California and Nevada.
Hancock was a charter member of Gamma chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and was one of the founders
of the state organization. She organized and was president of the Association for Childhood Education
International in Las Vegas. She also held several offices in her P.E.O. chapter, including serving as president
for two years. In addition, the Business and Professional Women's Club of Las Vegas selected her as the
Woman of the Year in 1949. Upon her retirement in 1963, Doris was honored at a testimonial dinner held
by the Parent Teacher Association. She also had a lifetime membership in the National Congress of Parents
and Teachers. Earlier in 1963, she was the recipient of the Nevada Outstanding Citizen Award. In 1962, she
was recognized by the Rotary Club as their first Teacher of the Week. In 1965, Doris Hancock Elementary
School in Las Vegas was named in her honor.
Outside of her professional activities, her interests included western history and art, particularly painting and
drawing. She studied under a number of well-known artists and exhibited and sold some of her paintings.
Hancock also helped organize the Las Vegas Art League. After her retirement, she moved to San Diego,
California to be near relatives. Doris Hancock passed away in 1987 at the age of 91.
Doris posing in front of the office building. She stands below the new sign which displays the schools namesake, "Doris Hancock Elementary School". Circa 1969 Source: UNLV Special Collections and Archives - University Libraries
Doris posing in front of the recently opened school. The sign reads "Doris Hancock Elementary School". Circa 1965 Source: UNLV Special Collections and Archives - University Libraries
Doris posing in front of the office building. She stands below the new sign which displays the schools namesake, "Doris Hancock Elementary School". Circa 1969 Source: UNLV Special Collections and Archives - University Libraries
Still want to see more? A large part of the collection was made available online by UNLV | University Libraries | Special Collections and Archives. You can search through the collection online, or download the "Guide to the Doris Hancock Photograph Collection Document" The document lists links to these photos and many more directly. Additionally, the photos list a citation, reference, and any other history related to it, Doris and the collection. These photos where donated by Doris Hancock herself, and mostly consisted of her throughout her life, her recollections and events she witnessed. Please explore by using the two options below!