It was at a school "fun night" in my third grade year when I found these paper dolls in the jumble sale, tucked in an old lidless shoe box and priced at twenty-five cents. I loved them at once: they were so sturdy and stood so straight, their clothes were so beautiful and complete with accessories! They had pinafores, school dresses, party dresses, long formals, swimming suits, play clothes, snow suits, and dress coats--four of each, one for each girl--with hats to match. I offered up my twenty-five cents and bore them away, along with a hosiery box full of Betsy McCall paper dolls cut out of the McCalls magazine by someone's diligent fingers.
Dolls were sold separately; still need the "Lois" one. |
Best of all, my beloved teacher Miss Rolph was there too, presiding over the ring toss game, and wearing the outfit that I loved best, her McLeod tartan circle skirt and black turtleneck. She looked like she was having a marvelous time too, calling people to come play the game, cheering and laughing and the pretty skirt swirling around her. I showed her my new paper dolls and she admired them.
Then last week I was poking about on etsy, and there they were--all the same four, and all their cut-outs right down to the baby doll carriage, even the round plastic stands! So now they are mine for a while, for me to be a good steward of, and then they will pass to some other collector. Might not be someone who remembers them from childhood, but they'll find someone to charm.
I'm looking for you, Lois! |
Notice the tape along the bottom of the figures. I believe that was put there--very neatly--to make the doll just a little more secure in the plastic stand.
The paper doll artist is Hilda Miloche, who also did "The Paper Doll Wedding" and whose work can be found all over the Internet if you search for it--there are many beautiful images of her work, and you can see a family resemblance in her various dolls.
5 comments:
i remember these as well. I loved playing with my paper dolls. There were so many wonderful clothes and accessories. My girlfriend and I spent hours at it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting, Nonna Sue! I'm glad these could bring back happy memories for you!
do you know if there were actual dolls made of miloche's paper dolls? i believe i have seen one,marked dot and peg on its back, is that something you remember?
brenda
Wow--I've never seen one, but it would be fantastic if they actually exist! I will keep an eye out for them. Good clue--to look for ones marked dot and peg! Thanks, Brenda!
hago una investigación para la fadu en la carrera de diseño de indumentaria, esta información sentimental es muy valiosa. Gracias por compartirla (viendolo en 2024!!!!)
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