Author: Charles

Antoinette came from France years ago. Like the elegant girls and pretty ladies of her day, her ears were pierced so she could wear earrings. When she lost her earrings, a friend gave her a pair, which she had sent to her from the Philippine Islands during the Spanish–American War. They came from an American soldier stationed there. They are delicate flowers made of small, thin shells. There are enough natural waves in Antoinette’s Wool Lamb hair that it’s beautiful all the time.

Brown-haired and violet-haired Johanna is from Germany. She’s not nearly as old as Antoinette. In Germany there are many young girls who have dolls like Johanna. Joanna wore the few clothes she brought with her to this country, so now she wears American clothes. Her long braids were so difficult to care for that she was taken to a barber who gave her a sleek bob. Joanna seemed to get excited when her picture was taken as she jumped hard off the table and fell to the floor in a heap. Fortunately no bones were broken. Previous slide or next […]

One has to look closely to see what Aunt May is looking at. He is standing to the left of the tree. It is an unusually large cinnamon bear. Previous slide or next slide (to continue…) Back to the index

Winter weather teddy bear jumpsuits are becoming popular inEarly twentieth century. Violet wears a teddy bear suit that was made for her when Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt, who was often called Teddy, was fond of the outdoors, hence his nickname It was given to the little teddy bears that had become popular at the time.

Amy came to America in 1905. French Amy. She was adopted by an American family living in Paris in 1904 and came to this country the following year. The name Amy means beloved. Aimee’s middle name is Aurelia. She was given this name because it means golden and she has beautiful golden hair like Goldilocks. The dress Amy wears was made for her in 1904. Many little girls and their dolls wore dresses like hers in those days. Amy is as tall as most children by the time they are a year old. But her hands and feet are very […]

Hand-carved doll bed by Brittany. In the part of France called Brittany, beds are like wardrobes. Even doll beds are like that. They are beautifully sculpted and very comfortable once one gets used to them. Long and low cedar chests are often placed in front of the beds. Duvets, pillows and extra feather beds are stored in these. If there was a child in the family, his carved cradle was placed on top of the chest at night so that he was close to his mother. Since there was no child in this Breton doll family, the large brass candlestick […]

The Little Women dolls are made of fabric and soft wigs. Years ago, Louisa M. Alcott wrote a story book called Little Women. It has been a favorite book ever since. The story was about four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March. These modem dolls are dressed to look like sisters. Amy, the younger sister, is standing in front of the piano. She loved to draw and paint. Meg, short for Margaret, was the eldest. She was the delicate, gentle type who was never known to lose a glove or look untidy. Meg stands behind Amy. Elizabeth, aka […]

Little Rosalind doll under her blankets awaiting her christening. Rosalind is an ordinary infant, for if she is to be well cared for, her little square pajamas must be changed when they are wet, just as children’s pajamas do. Rosalind eagerly drinks her milk like a hungry child, too. When the bottle is filled and given to her, she empties it quickly as if it tastes good. When you drink, you make a low, contented sound just like real babies do when they eat. There must have been a fairy godmother present at Rosalind’s christening, one who could bestow the […]

Scootles by Rose O’Neill Here is a cheerful little fellow. His name is James, although he is often called Jimsie or Scootles. He’s a fun boy. This is a background image of Jessie. He can do tricks better than any of the other dummies. He can balance a basket on his head almost like a circus clown. Previous slide or next slide.

Betty B is holding her doll and Gregory is eating in his high chair. This little brother and sister look so much alike. The little girl’s name is Betty Bee and her brother’s name is Gregory, although he is often called Tousle Head. Previous slides or next slide