"Miss" Sara as everyone affectionately called her was born on October 15, 1911 in Selma, Alabama to Richard Howard Holmes and Mary Darling Hooper Holmes. The Selma of Mrs. Robinson's birth was a place of some historical importance even then being as it was a great nexus of trade in the western portion of the state. Its location on the Alabama River made it easily accessible to wealthy planters, educators, clergy and manufacturers. In fact, Selma's foundry had been a Confederate Arsenal during the Civil War. The city's rich cultural heritage was part and parcel of everyday life for a young girl growing up in the1920's. As her family often later quipped, "Mother was quite certain the Pilgrims landed in Selma!"

As an English teacher who received her undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama with a masters degree from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) Mrs. Robinson gave generations of children a broader appreciation of the spoken and written word. She was an active volunteer with the Red Cross during the war years. She served as President of the Tuesday Study Club-a literary society and was a Charter member of The Seekers Bible Study Group. In 1991 she was honored for her 55 years of service as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alexander City, Alabama.

Perhaps she will best be remembered for her contributions to Robinson Iron.It was upon her urging that Mr. Robinson acquired and produced the first ornamental pieces made by the foundry. Many of her favorites continue to be marketed by the company. She researched ancient mythology to find what inspired many of the decorative details to be found on the pieces - developing copy points for our first printed catalog. In the days before faux finishes she worked with local paint suppliers and shop personnel to formulate an antiquing color to be rubbed over the finished pieces giving them an aged patina. This same distinctive verde gris antique is applied to Robinson pieces today. It is the company's most requested finish.

Yes, "Miss" Sara will be missed for all she contributed to company, church, community and family. At Robinson Iron we will miss her frequent visits, the newspaper clippings about our work, her softly spoken words of encouragement, and her interest in each new project. She has imparted to us a gracious legacy of Victorian splendor born in an age when true craftsmanship was an Art.