The Proud and the Profane: The Colorful Life, Literature, and Illustrations of Lucy Herndon Crockett
March 06, 2015 - July 12, 2015Price-Strongwell Cultural Heritage Galleries

Exhibit Details
Lucy Herndon Crockett was born April 4, 1914 in Honolulu, Hawaii and passed away near her Seven Mile Ford, Virginia home on July 30, 2002. Her father, an aid to Theodore Roosevelt, provided for art lessons in New York lending to her talents as an illustrator and designer. Her service as an American Red Cross worker in the South Pacific during World War II set the stage for her most recognized novel, The Magnificent Bastards, which was later made into a Hollywood film The Proud and the Profane starring William Holden and Deborah Kerr in 1956. After settling in Smyth County Virginia, Crockett became increasingly paranoid of those around her; for example, threatening behavior toward then President John Kennedy led to a period of house arrest. Crockett left behind more than eight novels, dozens of illustrations, and a collection of letters, newspaper clippings, and many interesting antiques and relics salvaged from her last residence. This exhibition focuses on the many rumors, legends, and artistic talents of the late Lucy Herndon Crockett.
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