A Guide to the Molly Ivins Papers, 1936, 1944-2008

Biographical Note

Syndicated columnist, author, and lecturer Molly Ivins (1944-2007) covered Texas and politics, government, and social issues. Born Mary Tyler Ivins to Margaret and James E. Ivins in Monterrey, California, Molly Ivins grew up in Houston, Texas, attending St. John's School. She earned a B.A. degree in history from Smith College (1966) and an M.A. degree in journalism from Columbia University (1967). Ivins worked as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle (1967) and Minneapolis Tribune (1967-1970) before joining Kaye Northcott as co-editor of the Texas Observer (1971-1976). While working for the Observer in Austin, Ivins' caustic writing style caught the attention of folklorist and free speech activist, John Henry Faulk. The two developed a strong friendship based on their shared passion for the First Amendment. Ivins left the Observer for the New York Times (1976-1981), working for both the New York City Bureau and Rocky Mountain Bureau. In 1982, lured by the promise to write on whatever she pleased, she returned to Texas as a columnist for the Dallas Times Herald (1982-1991), covering Texas politics. With the collapse of the Times Herald in 1991, she moved her column to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

In 2001, Ivins left the Star-Telegram (1992-2001) to become an independent columnist. At the height of her popularity, Ivins' column was syndicated in nearly 400 newspapers, and she frequently freelanced for such publications as The Progressive, Mother Jones, Ms., and The Nation. Her acerbic pen garnered Ivins countless critics and admirers. Winner of a host of awards and three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, she authored or co-authored countless articles in numerous magazines and several best-selling books, including Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She? (1991), You Got to Dance With Them What Brung You: Political in the Clinton Years (1998), Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bush's America (2003), and Who Let the Dogs In?: Incredible Political Animals I Have Known (2004). Because of her wit, humor, and unabashed criticism of political and public figures, Ivins was a highly sought after speaker, and a regular contributor to radio and television, even briefly for 60 Minutes in 1996.

Although she had left the Texas Observer in 1976, Ivins remained a staunch supporter of the bi-weekly publication, donating funds and serving on the board of directors of its parent organization, the Texas Democracy Foundation. Following in John Henry Faulk's footsteps, Ivins was a champion and defender of free speech, speaking at American Civil Liberties Union events across the country.

Diagnosed with late stage breast cancer, Ivins underwent intensive treatment and chemotherapy in 1999. She openly wrote and spoke about her ordeal, encouraging other women to get regular examinations. Unfortunately, the cancer returned several times, ultimately causing Ivins' death in 2007.

Source:

Sapper, Neil."Ivins, Mary Tyler [Molly]". Handbook of Texas Online, accessed December 20, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fiv02

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Scope and Contents

Comprising correspondence, literary productions, newspaper clippings, legal documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, notes, research materials, the Molly Ivins Papers, 1936, 1944-2008, document the journalism career and personal life of Molly Ivins. Research and subject files contain newspaper clippings, articles, and other printed materials about prominent political, public, and social justice figures and issues, such as abortion, both Gulf Wars, gays in the military, health care, the environment, First Amendment rights, and feminism. A sizable portion of the papers comprises reader mail and email with a wide rage of responses. There is a large volume of invitations and unsolicited manuscripts as well. Literary productions include Ivins' columns and freelance articles in the Dallas Times Herald, New York Times, Texas Observer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Mother Jones, The Nation, Ms., The Progressive, and complete issues of Playboy.

Page proofs, correspondence, audiovisual materials, and research materials pertain to her books, Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?, You Got to Dance With Them What Brung You: Political in the Clinton Years, Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bush's America, and Who Let the Dogs In?: Incredible Political Animals I Have Known. Speeches, event flyers, notes, and video and audio cassettes document Ivins' public appearances on college campuses, 60 Minutes, C-SPAN, NPR, ACLU rallies, political events, book signings, and numerous other engagements. Correspondence, speeches, schedules, pamphlets, and news clippings relate to Ivins' work with civil liberties groups, the Texas Democracy Foundation, publishing houses, and anti-war groups. Diaries and personal correspondence describe her relationship with her mentor John Henry Faulk as well as her family and close friends, while medical records and correspondence detail Ivins' struggle with breast cancer. Photographs and correspondence document Ivins' travels, holidays, and relationships with family, friends, and her fans. Correspondence and legal documents regard a lawsuit against Ivins and Ronnie Dugger by Texas evangelist, Lester Roloff, and financial records include Ivins' tax documents and personal finances.

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Restrictions

Use Restrictions

Portions of this collection are stored remotely; advance notice required for retrieval.

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Separated Material

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Molly Ivins Papers, 1936, 1944-2008, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin.

Processing Information

This collection was processed and revised by Daniel Alonzo, May 2004; Laurel Rozema, Megan Mummey, and Shelly Rowland, 2009-2010; and Mark Firmin, 2011.

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Detailed Description of the Papers

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