Hattie Greene Lockett

Hattie Greene Lockett (1879–1962) was a pioneering American writer, rancher, anthropologist, and influential clubwoman. Her life was marked by contributions to education, agriculture, and anthropology, and she made significant strides in promoting women's roles in these fields. Born in Illinois, she moved with her family to Arizona in her teens, where she later trained as a teacher.

Lockett's early career included teaching in Arizona and becoming active in women's organizations, founding and leading clubs like the Washington Woman's Club in Phoenix and the Tucson Junior Women’s Club. However, her life took a significant turn after the death of her husband in 1921, when she assumed leadership of their family sheep ranch. In this role, she became a notable figure in the ranching community, attending National Wool Growers Association meetings, collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, and earning recognition for her award-winning sheep.

After raising her children, Lockett pursued academic interests and earned a master's degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona in 1932. Her thesis, later published as The Unwritten Literature of the Hopi, offered valuable insights into the traditions and customs of the Hopi people. Her work in anthropology cemented her reputation as a scholar, particularly in the field of Native American studies.

In her later years, Lockett shifted focus to writing and public speaking. She published poetry, short stories, and essays, and took on leadership roles in several writers' organizations, including the Arizona chapter of the League of American Pen Women and the Flagstaff Writers Club. She was also instrumental in founding Arizona Poetry Day, which featured a statewide contest that encouraged literary participation.

Throughout her life, Lockett was recognized for her wide-ranging contributions. She served on the advisory board of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and was named to the honor roll of the American Artists and Professional League in 1952. After her death in 1962, her legacy continued through the Hattie Lockett Awards, established by her son at the University of Arizona to support aspiring poets. In 1987, she was posthumously inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.

Hattie Greene Lockett's life reflects a dynamic blend of education, leadership, and cultural preservation. From her work in ranching and conservation to her contributions to anthropology and literature, she was a trailblazer who left an enduring impact on Arizona's intellectual and social landscape.