Like some missiles

Littleton’s work shows the growth of her hometown

by Jack Eidson, Jr. Hoopla Contributor

Virginia Ann (Rawlins) Littleton, affectionly known as V.A. Littleton, has lived her entire 98 years as a native of Weatherford. Her husband for 63 years was Mark H. Littleton, (a WW-II vet, businessman and former mayor of Weatherford), until his passing in 2008. V.A.’s grandfather, Alex Rawlins, founded Rawlins Monuments on Palo Pinto Street in 1887 and passed the reins in 1920 to his two sons, Frank and Bert, V.A.’s father. However, V.A. recalls that as a little girl, it was her grandfather that would show her how he drew designs for stone monuments. She would then do drawings herself on the back of church bulletins. Her interest in art was later enhanced with her design classes as part of her home economics education at the University of Texas. This training served her well when she contributed her share of design work to her family’s monument business.

As V.A. developed her drawing skills to include pen and india ink and watercolor, she also developed an interest in Parker County cemeteries and old historic buildings and homes. These old buildings and Weatherford scenes became the subjects of many of her works. From November 2008 to mid January 2009, a retrospective was held at the Doss Heritage and Culture Judy Mason

COURTESY

COURTESY V.A. Littleton holding “Downtown Cafe,” pen and ink. “Weatherford City Hall and Parade,” watercolor, c. 1985. “The Weatherford Sampler,” pen and ink. “Sunday Morning on the Square,” watercolor, c. 1972.

Center entitled “Our Landmarks - Works of V.A. Littleton.” Many of the architectual gems depicted in her paintings are no longer extant. Viewers see what Weatherford was like years ago when it still had a pioneer look.

Shortly after the Weatherford Art Association was founded in July 1966, V.A. joined the group and has enjoyed her membership there.

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