Generations at the Table
Biographies:
Mary (Doll) Luther
Contributed Recipes:
1. Cookies of Champions
Mary Doll was born in March of 1903 to John Doll and Mary Gross in Avoca, Iowa.[1] The second of seven children,[2] Mary and her siblings grew up on their parent’s farm: first in Avoca on 120 acres, and later in Walnut.[3] Her father passed away in 1918,[4] leaving the farm to be run by Mary’s mother.[2]
In her early twenties, Mary moved away to attend school in Lincoln, Nebraska.[5] She returned to the Avoca area, presumably after finishing her studies, and began teaching kindergarten in the Fall of 1924 at a local school.[6] Her teaching career lasted for over a decade with roles at various rural schools in the county[7] [8] [9] in addition to spending time as a continuing student at Iowa State Teacher’s College.[10]
In January of 1925, Mary moved back to Nebraska with her new husband, Archie Krause, after getting married in Des Moines.[11] The couple settled in the town of Allen and appeared to have enjoyed an active social life amongst their friends and family for several years.[12] [13] [14] However, in February of 1928, Archie left for Sioux City, Iowa to attend a school of aviation with plans to become a pilot.[15] It appears as though Mary and Archie separated around this time, and by early 1930 Archie was on his way to join the aviation division of the U.S. Army[16] while Mary was granted a divorce on grounds of desertion.[17] After their separation, Mary returned to Avoca and continued teaching.[18]
Mary resigned from teaching in 1937 when she accepted a job in Palo Alto, California working for the Fleischer Yarn Company as a knitting instructor.[19] Her new career path soon took her to Santa Maria, California where she began managing a new knitting store, Liebert’s, in 1939.[20] Liebert’s was centrally located downtown and offered mending and alterations of knitted garments, free knitting instruction, and sold children’s garments in addition to knitting yarns and supplies.[21] In 1941, Mary bought out Liebert’s and moved the shop to West Church Street with a new name: Mary Doll Yarn & Children’s Wear.[22] [23]
With the purchase of the store, Mary also began solidifying her roots in town. She expanded her social circle[24] [25] by joining a local sorority and women’s clubs,[26] [27] professional organizations,[28] sewing club,[29] and becoming a charter member of the local Soroptimist club.[30] She also lent her expertise by volunteering as a judge at the county fair for domestic arts competitions in needlework and handcraft,[31] and she further supported her community during World War II by participating in Red Cross drives,[32] hosting and organizing local USO dances,[33] [34] and group canvassing.[35] She was recognized in 1945 and 1946 for her many hours of volunteer work for the USO.[36] [37]
In the spring of 1946, Mary announced her engagement to Fred Luther.[38] Originally from Southern California,[39] Fred had relocated to the San Luis Obispo area with his family[40] by 1917,[39] and purchased his own land to farm in 1919.[41] After time in the military serving during WWI,[42] he returned to farming[43] and later worked for the Agricultural Adjustment Association.[44] He was widowed when his first wife, Jessie, passed away in 1944,[45] and his two children from this first marriage were adults by the time he became engaged to Mary.[46]
Following multiple bridal showers thrown by friends in May,[47] [48] Mary and Fred were married in June of 1946 in the gardens of the Santa Maria Inn. Following the ceremony, a silver and white reception was held at a friend’s home nearby. The couple honeymooned briefly in Santa Barbara before making their home in Santa Maria[49] where Mary still had her business. They initially lived in a small home on East Church Street just a few blocks from the yarn shop,[50] and later moved to South Lincoln Street.[51]
After her marriage to Fred, Mary continued running her store while increasing her involvement with the community. She notably became more involved with the Soroptimist club[52] while spending time volunteering with the American Cancer Society[53] and bolstering the business community she belonged to through the Chamber of Commerce[54] and the Business and Professional Women’s Club.[55] In 1955, Mary moved her shop once again back to South Broadway. Once opened in its new location, the store expanded into two floors and added a “pre-teen shop” in addition to the regular children's wear.[56]
The year of 1958 was a tough one for Mary. In late June, Fred’s history of heart issues[57] caught up with him when he suffered a heart attack while attending a club meeting and passed away en route to the hospital, leaving Mary widowed.[58] [59] Less than a week after Fred’s death, Mary was back in Iowa after the death of her mother, who had suffered a stroke.[60] She stayed in Iowa for a month before returning to her home in Santa Maria.[61]
After her return, Mary kept herself busy over the next several years travelling and maintaining her various endeavors. Between 1959 and 1961, she was able to travel back home to visit family[62] in addition to spending time in South America[63] and visiting her sister in Turkey.[64] Upon her return, she opened a second store, Mary Doll’s Campus and Career Shop, in addition to Mary Doll’s Young Fashions. This new store expanded on Mary’s existing store by selling clothing specifically for teens and young adults.[65] Mary eventually closed down her stores in October of 1968 after 30 years in business.[66]
In September of 1969, Mary married Walter Hoge in Nevada.[67] Walter had previously been living in Sacramento working as a realtor[68] and had already been widowed[69] and divorced[70] by the time he relocated to Santa Maria.
The couple spent their retirement years quietly doing the things they enjoyed. Walter introduced Mary to the game of bridge,[71] which he had enjoyed back in Sacramento.[72] Mary continued to find fulfillment in her community and various social endeavors, becoming more active in the Minerva Club[73] and joining the Santa Maria Symphony Society.[74]
Mary passed away in May of 1978 at the age of 75.[75]
Citations
[1] Birth Record for Mary Josephine Doll, Iowa Births, 1880-1904, 1921-1946. State Historical Society of Iowa, State Archives, Des Moines, Iowa.; Iowa Delayed Births, 1856-1940, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 4 January 2026)
[2] 1920 U.S. Census, population schedule, Layson, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Enumeration District [ED] 167, sheet 17B, Mary Doll household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T625, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 6 January 2026).
[3] “Autobiography.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 16 October 1910, pg 11
[4] “Iowa, County Death Records, 1880-1992", FamilySearch www.familysearch.org), Entry for John Doll, 27 February 1918 (accessed 7 January 2026)
[5] “Walnut.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 21 December 1923, pg 15
[6] “Bluffs Women at Crescent PTA.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 2 November 1924, pg 14
[7] “200 Teachers in County Announced.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1 October 1930, pg 12
[8] “Schools in County Have 193 Teachers.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 11 September 1933, pg 7
[9] “County Teacher List Announced.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 20 September 1931, pg 14
[10] “Avoca.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 12 June 1934, pg 6
[11] Certificate of Marriage for Archibald Krause and Mary Doll, Iowa State Board of Health, Iowa Marriage Records, 1880–1948. Textual Records. State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa. Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 6 January 2026)
[12] “Ponca News Items.” The Nebraska Journal Leader, Ponca, Nebraska, 17 September 1925, pg 1
[13] “Brief News Items from Ponca and Nearby Vicinity.” The Nebraska Journal Leader, Ponca, Nebraska, 26 August 1926, pg 3
[14] “Brief News Items from Allen and Near Country.” The Nebraska Journal Leader, Ponca, Nebraska, 21 July 1927, pg 2
[15] “Exchange Notes.” The Dixon Journal, Dixon, Nebraska, 9 February 1928, pg 8
[16] “Allen Items.” The Dixon Journal, Dixon, Nebraska, 2 January 1930, pg 1
[17] “Four Divorces Granted.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 6 February 1930, pg 5
[18] “Avoca.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 11 March 1930, pg 5
[19] “Avoca.” The Daily Non-Pareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 17 August 1937, pg 6
[20] “Knit Shop Opens.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 6 September 1939, pg 4
[21] Advertisement for Liebert’s. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 6 September 1939, pg 3
[22] Advertisement for Mary Dolls Yarn & Children’s Wear. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 28 July 1941, pg 3
[23] Legal Recordings. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 5 August 1941, pg 3
[24] “Mrs. Walter Word Hostess for Mrs. Light.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 12 June 1941, pg 3
[25] “Dinner to Honor Hawaii Visitor.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 15 May 1942, pg 3
[26] “Sorority Members See Films.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 19 June 1941, pg 3
[27] “Internation Fashions Are Modeled for Women’s Club.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 2 February 1946, pg 3
[28] “Business Women Note ‘Their’ Week.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 8 October 1941, pg 3
[29] “Two Receive Birthday Honors.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 9 July 1943, pg 3
[30] “Service Club Comes into Being, Receives Charter.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 27 May 1946, pg 3
[31] “Women’s Section Fair Judges Named.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 17 July 1941, pg 3
[32] “Red Cross Drive Signs 32 Blood Donors.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 3 October 1944, pg 3
[33] “Junior Hostesses Attend Dance.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 12 December 1942, pg 3
[34] “USO Dance.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 20 May 1943, pg 4
[35] “Women Work in War Drive.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 1 November 1944, pg 2
[36] “Service Pins for USO Activity Presented.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 3 February 1945, pg 3
[37] “Local Residents Receive Pins at Annual Recognition Dinner From USO for Hours Served.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 6 February 1946, pg 1
[38] “Miss Mary Doll’s Betrothol to San Luis Man Told.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 4 April 1946, pg 3
[39] WWI Draft Registration Card for Fredrick Luther. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line], Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 1 February 2026)
[40] 1920 U.S. Census, population schedule,Josaphine Precint, San Luis Obispo County, California, Enumeration District [ED] 47, sheet 104A, Robert B Luther household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T625, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 1 February 2026).
[41] “Filed with County Recorder.” The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California, 3 October 1919, pg 6
[42] Passenger List Entry for Fredrick B Luther, Company “G”, 364th Infantry, 91st Division, 12 July 1918, U.S., Army Transport Service Arriving and Departing Passenger Lists, 1910-1939, Ancestry.com, (accessed 1 February 2026)
[43] “News of Willow Creek.” Morning Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California, 26 October 1924, pg 5
[44] “Discuss Barley, Wheat Ceilings.” Morning Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California, 11 August 1944, pg 6
[45] Death Notice for Jessie Katherine Luther. The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California, 27 November 1944, pg 6
[46] 1930 U.S. Census, population schedule, Templeton Township, San Luis Obispo County, California, Enumeration District [ED] 40-35, sheet 5A, Robert B Luther household; National Archives & Records Administration publication T626, digital image, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (accessed 10 February 2026).
[47] “Bride-to-be Honored at Shower.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 10 May 1946, pg 3
[48] “Miss Mary Doll Honored at Shower.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 16 May 1946, pg 4
[49] “Inn Garden Setting for Luther-Doll Nuptials.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 10 June 1946, pg 3
[50] Entry for Luther, Fred B. 1948 City Directory, Santa Maria, California, U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line], Ancestry.com (accessed 10 February 2026)
[51] “Soroptomists Set Service Fund Events.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 9 March 1955, pg 7
[52] “Mary Doll Luther Elected by Soroptomists.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 18 May 1949, pg 5
[53] “A Real Cause.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 3 April 1948, pg 4
[54] “DD Chern Heads Retail Merchants.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 2 March 1949, pg 3
[55] “Radio Skits Provide Fun for BPW Club.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 7 April 1948, pg 4
[56] “Mary Doll’s Opening.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 23 June 1955, pg 8
[57] “Round Town.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 2 December 1955, pg 4
[58] “Noted Agriculturist Fred Luther Passes.” The Arroyo Grande Herald Recorder, Arroyo Grande, California, 4 July 1958, pg 7
[59] Obituary for Fred Luther. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 1 July 1958, pg 1
[60] Obituary for Mrs. Mary Doll. The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 10 July 1958, pg 11
[61] Obituary for Mrs. Mary Doll. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 10 July 1958, pg 5
[62] “Mrs. Luther Home from Trip East.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 24 June 1959, pg 5
[63] “South America Study.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 16 March 1960, pg 3
[64] “Soroptomists to See Fashion Shop Style.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 30 March 1961, pg 3
[65] “New Shop to Open on Friday.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 11 May 1961, pg 19
[66] Advertisement for Mary Doll’s Campus & Career Shop. Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 16 October 1968, pg 6
[67] Marriage Record for Walter D Hoge and Mary D Luther. Marriage Index, 1956-2005 [database on-line], Clark County, Nevada, Ancestry.com (accessed 16 February 2026)
[68] Advertisement for The National Association of Real Estate Boards. The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California, 26 August 1958, pg 69
[69] Death Notice for Elizabeth Hoge. The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California, 20 June 1960, pg 24
[70] Decrees. Sacramento Legal Press, Sacramento, California, 26 March 1964, pg 6
[71] “Tournament Results of the Valley Club and Friday Duplicate Club.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 18 March 1971, pg 5
[72] “Local Bridge Winners.” The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California, 26 April 1964, pg 23
[73] “Minerva Garden Section to Hold Fall Flower Show Friday.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 11 November 1969, pg 4
[74] “Symphony Society Names New Board at Annual Dinner Meet.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 17 June 1970, pg 7
[75] “Obituary for Mary Doll Hoge.” Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria, California, 13 May 1978, pg 15
Notes
Illustrations on this site are AI generated and not actual representations of the individuals written about, their homes, or anything else factual.
Exact addresses are not included for any place that appears to be, or could potentially be, in current use as a personal residence.
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