Polly Holmes Remembered

Received very sad news that Polly Holmes has passed away.  Polly lived in Carson City, NV for a long time.  I had visited her home more than once, and stayed over a couple of times too.  I'd like to share some of her photos over the years then talk about how wonderful a person Polly was.   

Polly in the 1995 ARBA convention in Louisville KY.   With her in the photo was her Satin Angora.   Satin Angora was accepted into the ARBA SOP in 1987, the breed was still in an early stage.  Comparing to today's Satin Angora, it had a lot more sheen but less wool.

Spin-Off is a prestigious craft magazine for spinners.  Polly published this article about Satin Angora, its wool and spinning Satin Angora in the Winter 1994 issue.  

Betty and Polly, 2006.

Casey and Polly, 2006.

Polly at Black Sheep Gathering 2007.

Polly and her booth, 2008. 

Polly and Betty, 2008.

Polly, Suzanne Raap and Betty at Nevada State Fair, 2008.  Polly and Suzanne both were the president of the NARBC in the 90s.  Suzanne from the early 1990s to the mid 1990s, and Polly from mid 1990s to 2000.    Polly and John moved to Texas shortly after this photo was taken.  

Polly at home in Texas, July 2023.   Polly loved this t-shirt!  This was the prize for the 1994 ARBA convention, Betty has several of them and still wears them!  Polly was an accomplished fiber artist; as early as 1994, she was spinning and publishing articles about Angora rabbits, then later added Angora goats.   In her hand is the mohair that she dyed in 2023.

Polly was the pillar of the Angora world for a long time. The first time Betty met Polly was in the mid 80s. She was in charge of the rabbit part of the Nevada State Fair. Then Polly took over the job of National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club newsletter editor in 1987, held it until well into the 90s. In mid 90s, Polly became the president of the NARBC and served two full terms.  Polly was also the director of our club Northern California Angora Guild for over 20 years until she moved to Texas.

In the other life, Polly had done even more amazing things. She along with her husband John founded the Carson City volunteer fire and paramedic service before the professional ones were available. She housed and paid for all expenses of two young ladies from Hong Kong to receive their high school and college educations. The family of these two young ladies could not afford to provide education for them, asked for help from their church. Polly took on this huge job for over a 6-year period of time. Both of the young ladies now live in San Francisco, have their own families and professional careers.

Polly and John then moved and helped to develop the town of Silver Springs, NV when it was in the middle of nowhere in the desert. Silver Springs is now a booming new town. They loved in Silver Springs until they moved to Texas in 2008. In Texas she had a herd of colored Angora goats, she was active in the colored Angora goats association serving various officer's positions. 

It is impossible to list all Polly's accomplishments. Betty feels so honored to have Polly as a long time friend.  Polly will be missed.