April 19: Dare Wright and the Lonely Doll

Thank you Pat D. for this program summary and pictures.

Julie D. presented the program.

The Lonely Doll is the first children’s book in a series by photographer and author Dare Wright. The story is told through text and photographs. It was first published by Doubleday in 1957, went out of print for years, was reissued in 1998, and brought out by Barnes & Noble for their eReader in 2012. Wright wrote 10 books starring Edith and the bears. In 2007, R. John Wright produced a limited edition felt Edith doll for collectors to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Lonely Doll.” This was the first Edith doll to be made in her actual 22″ height.

The Lonely Doll tells the story of a doll named Edith, who lives by herself until two teddy bears, called Mr. Bear and Little Bear, appear in her life. One day, Mr. Bear goes out for a walk leaving the two alone in the house; He returns to find they have rummaged in a closet for dress-up clothing, smeared themselves with makeup, and written “Mr. Bear is just a silly old thing” in lipstick on the mirror. Mr Bear proceeds to discipline both Little Bear and Edith, leaving Edith to worry that he will take Little Bear and leave. Mr. Bear assures her that he will never, ever, leave her. 

Edith, the main character of many of her books was named after Dare’s mother and she looks a great deal like Dare Wright herself, with a blonde pony tail and golden hoop earrings. The doll is a felt Lenci Doll from the 1920s which belonged to Dare as a child. She sewed Edith’s outfits for the books and changed her eye color to blue, resembling the author’s looks.

Mr. Bear was manufactured by Schuco, and Little Bear was a special edition Steiff “Jackie Bear.” A new felt finished rendition of the Edith doll was manufactured in 2005 by the Alexander Doll Company, who made the first Edith doll in 1958. It was sold exclusively by The Toy Shoppe.

Another doll was featured in “The Little One” published in 1959. She was a Persis 126 doll from Germany.

Dare Wright :Born in Ontario, Canada, Wright spent most of her childhood in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Laurel School. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother, while her brother, Blaine, went to live with his father in New York City. The siblings did not meet again until Dare moved to New York City in her twenties.

After that she withdrew into seclusion and alcoholism in her apartment just off Fifth Avenue. “Maybe Dare was born in a seashell,” muses one of the scores of acquaintances. “She didn’t look like a New York woman at all,” comments another. “Much more ethereal than that, like a ghost, like some wonderful blithe spirit.” Another calls her “a pixie, a fairy, full of imagination and in another world.” Wright died on January 25, 2001 at the age of 86 in Manhatten.

She wrote 20 books with 19 of them being children’s books and there is an autobiography of her life “The Search for Dare Wright”.  Besides her work as an author she was a model for high fashion magazines, painter and photographer with exhibitions in New York.

Thank you Julie D. for a well-researched, fun and interesting program with a terrific display of books, pictures and dolls.

Travel Dolls

Travel Dolls

 

February 15th Program: Who Designs the Clothes?

Here is a summary of the program presented by Jakki D.

Many of us first see the pretty face on a doll but it is the attire which most attracts us. Jakki herself is a connoisseur of fine fabrics and good design and loves to find fine examples on her world travels.

She noticed an article about Boneka in an older Doll News and this started her journey of exploring other doll clothing designers and led to this excellent program. She and several other club members brought in a bounty of beautiful examples of doll clothing designs. Here is a sampling of those designers represented that day:

Rosemarie Ionker from Germany is a Master Designer and began Boneka. She moved to several places around the world where she learned about fantastic fibers, costuming, smocking, embellishments and the material sources, manufacturing and business know how and contacts for her own business of children’s and doll clothing. Her doll customers include Helen Kish, Heidi Plusok, Robert Tonner, Julie-Good Krueger and many more.

Bo Bergmann started her doll line and creates her own doll molds and doll clothing designs. Currently she has added new designers to create lovely clothing for her dolls.

Robert Tonner – what can you say of this master of variety, imagination and talent? He began his career designing for Bill Blass and eventually designed a line under his own fashion label. In 1991 he joined NIADA and launched Robert Tonner Doll Design which became the Tonner Doll Company in 2000. His company regrouped old companies like Effanbee, Revlon and more and also began new ones like Wilde Imagination. He is still currently designing beautiful dolls and clothing.

Mel Odom began his career as an Illustrator and ladies high fashion designer. In the 1994 he and Ashton-Drake Galleries brought fashion dolls to adult collectors. Mel sculpted the dolls with personal stories and designed the fabulously exquisite clothing. From 2005-2010 the dolls were produced by Jason Wu and made by Integrity Toys. In 2013 Gene was reborn by JAMIEshow Dolls. Mel still designs doll clothing today.

Maggie Iacono began sewing clothes and toys for her 3 girls and also sold at local boutiques. Her dolls combined a sculpted face with molded and painted felt features with a fully jointed felt covered body and beautiful felted clothing with lovely embellishments. In 1989 she and her husband Tony began their full time business and it continues today.

Robin Woods dolls from the 1980’s are known for their amazing details, trims, embellishments and multiple layers of fabrics. In 1991 she left her own company and designed for Let’s Play Dolls and Elsie Dinsmore. One of her company’s designers Chris Miller left Robin’s company and designed for Pittsburgh Originals.

In 1990 to commemorate the 40th year of Peanuts, Snoopy was dressed by 150 fashion designers and a book was published in celebration. The designers included Chanel, Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix, Georgio Armani, Francois Lesage, Issey Miyake, Emanuel Ungaro, Guy Laroche, Claude Montana, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld and so many more.

Carol Spencer was the top designer in the 1960’s-1990’s for Mattel’s Barbie. Sharon Zuckerman came on board after Carol and remains at Mattel. Top of the line fashion designers were also featured by Mattel such as Bob Mackie and Vera Wang.

Oleg Cassini was a top women’s fashion designer of the 1960’s and famous for his creations for Jackie Kennedy. In the 1990’s Franklin Mint produced exact replicas of Jackie’s ensembles with Oleg’s approval. The workmanship and quality are above and beyond.

Elsa Shiaparelli was another top women’s fashion designer of the 1950’s. In her later years she had a line of inexpensive dolls with her name on the clothing.

Madame Alexander began producing clothed cloth dolls with her family in her early years. She went on to create the MA Doll Co. and though there were fewer face differences, the costuming and wigging was gorgeous in design, quality and detail, especially during the 1950’s.

Mary Hoyer had a doll line in the 1930’s for which she designed clothes but she also made patterns for moms and grandmas to make at home. Mary’s granddaughter started up the line again recently.

Mollye Goldman designed the sweet clothing for the famous 1930’s Shirley Temple doll by Ideal.

Door of Hope dolls with their authentic style clothing were created in the early 1900’s by many destitute young Chinese girls encouraged by missionaries so they would learn practical skills to keep them safe from terrible conditions.

Ernestine Jumeau, the wife of Emile was the designer of the fabulous courtier fashions for those hauntingly beautiful Bebes in the 1860’s-1890’s. The ensembles are fine examples with gorgeous details using fine fabrics and trims.

This wonderful array of dolls, with the emphasis on the clothing designers, along with all the fascinating information, made the time fly as we all began to think of our collections at home and wondered who designed the clothes? Thank you Jakki for a wonderful program and to all those who shared their dolls. Terrific!

Jakki D Program Presenter

Special thanks to Pat D. for providing this program summary!

November 23rd Program: Black Dolls and Manufacturers

Lorain M presented an informative program!
Here are some photos from the display.

September 21st Program: “Convention Finds at UFDC’s Convention in Washington D.C.”

Summary and pictures submitted by Laura B.

Barb C., Shirley K., and Jeanne K. shared their experiences as club delegates/alternate to U.F.D.C.’s 64th Annual Convention held from July 29 to August 1, 2013 in Washington D.C.  The theme for the convention was “A Capital Affair” and focused on a theme of elegance as exemplified by first lady Mrs. Helen Taft.

Barb C. visited Ann Coleman’s home that was offered as a ticketed event on the Sunday before the convention opened.  Barb said that Ann’s home was “packed to the gills” with dolls displayed on the dining room table and kitchen countertops that were brought out especially for the visit.  Ann herself guided the tours, running up and down the stairs of her modest home.  Barb was amazed to see Ann still full of energy later than evening at the convention.  Click here to read more information about the Ann Coleman home tour on the UFDC website.

Barb also attended the “Chiffonette French Fashion Luncheon” and received a lovely illustrated book as a souvenir.  At the Evangeline Ghastley Dinner, Barb picked up the souvenir doll for Pam J.

Chiffonette Souvenir Book

Evangeline Ghastly Dinner Souvenir

Convention Souvenir Doll by Tonner

Shirley K. was kept very busy as the head of judges for the Modern Competitive Exhibit.   She showed us the Convention Souvenir doll designed by Robert Tonner and described the 22″ centerpiece dolls that were designed by Mr. Tonner and available for purchase.  Click here to read about the centerpiece dolls and see photos on the UFDC website.   Although Shirley was busy, she still found time for the sales room and she shared her lovely finds.

Jeanne K. shared the beautiful dolls that she received at luncheons along with a doll and clothing for Bluette that she created at the Workshops she attended.  Click here to see many photos of workshop items on the UFDC website.

Outfit for Bluette, “Little Miss UFDC of Kansas City”, Susan Fosnot workshop doll.

The program also included a “show and tell” of purchases made by club members who went on the bus trip to Washington D.C. for shopping at the Convention Sales room and more fun. Here are some pictures of their purchases to enjoy. I apologize for the photography. I left my good camera at home so I snapped these with the camera on my cell phone. I tried to include all of the dolls, but some didn’t turn out well enough to post. I hope that you enjoy what is here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the UFDC website for more pictures and fun information about the most-recent UFDC Convention.
Click here to go to the 2013 Convention webpage with lots of links!

 

Interested in the next UFDC Convention set for July 16-20, 2014 in San Antonio Texas? 
Click here to visit the UFDC website to get all of the information!

June 15th Program: Mardi Gras

• Barb C. had a fabulous display of Mardi Gras dolls, old and new, of all type of materials, supplemented with club members dolls. Along with the dolls were educational and beautiful picture boards depicting the history of Mardi Gras. Barb then gave a wonderful Powerpoint program explaining Mardi Gras and here is a bit of her information. 

Mardi Gras History

Mardi Gras or Carnival season begins on or after Epiphany and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies.

Mardi Gras around the World

BRAZIL: Carnival is the most famous Brazilian holiday. During this time period Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists. A common thread among the multitude of cities is the incorporation of samba into their celebrations. Brazil’s weeklong Carnival festivities feature a vibrant amalgam of European, African and native traditions.

ITALY:  Martedí Grasso (Fat Tuesday) is the main day of “Carnevale” with the most famous Carnevales in Venice and Viareggio. Italy is the birthplace of Carnival celebrations, having its origins in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.

Netherlands: “Carnaval” is similar to the Venice Carnevale. The origin of the word Carnaval is ‘Carne Vale’ which means Goodbye to the meat in Latin.

Belgium: In the Belgian city of Binche the Mardi Gras festival is the most important day of the year and the summit of the Carnival of Binche with dancing from dawn to dusk.

Germany: The celebration is called “Karneval”, “Fastnacht” (Eve of the Fast), or “Fasching”, with famous parades held in Cologne, Mainz, and Düsseldorf on the Monday before Ash Wednesday (Rose Monday).

Sweden:  “Fettisdagen” comes from the word “fett” (fat) and “tisdag” (Tuesday). Originally, this was the only day one should eat semlor (a sweet roll) butt now they are sold up until Easter.

Mardi Gras in the United States

America’s First Mardi Gras: On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, naming it “Pointe du Mardi Gras” when his men realized it was the eve of that festive holiday. In 1703, tiny Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America’s very first Mardi Gras. In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile), a form of our current Mardi Gras krewes. In 1710, the “Boeuf Gras Society” was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. Rex would parade with an actual bull, draped in white and signaling the coming Lenten meat fast.

Mardi Gras Ball: By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana’s governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls–the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today.  In 1781, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association was the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans.

Parades and Krewes: By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras. Dazzling gaslight torches, or “flambeaux,” lit the way for the krewe’s members, and lent each event an exciting air of romance and festivity. In 1856, Mobile natives formed “Ye Mistick Krewe of Comus”, bringing magic and mystery to New Orleans, with dazzling floats and masked balls. Krewe members remained anonymous, and to this day, Comus still rides!  In 1870, Mardi Gras’ second “Krewe,” the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed, with the first account of Mardi Gras “throws”.    Krewe members are assessed fees in order to pay for the parade and/or ball which can range from thousands of dollars a year for elaborate parades to as little as $20 a year for smaller marching clubs. Criteria for krewe membership varies similarly, ranging from exclusive organizations largely limited to relatives of previous members to other organizations open to anyone able to pay the membership fee. Krewes with low membership fees may also require members to work to help build and decorate the parade floats and make their own costumes; higher priced krewes hire professionals to do this work. Parading krewe members are usually responsible for buying their own throws, the trinkets thrown to parade spectators according to Mobile and New Orleans tradition.                                                                                 Some krewes also have other events like private dances or parties for members throughout the year. Some also make a point of supporting charities and good causes. Each year krewes are responsible for electing Rex, the king of the carnival

1870’s Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance, and even printed “Carnival Edition” lithographs of parades’ fantastic float designs (after they rolled, of course–themes and floats were always carefully guarded before the procession). These chromolithographs could be produced in full, saturated color, doing justice to the float and costume designs of Carlotta Bonnecase, Charles Briton and B.A. Wikstrom. Each of these designers’ work was brought to life by talented Parisian paper-mache’ artist Georges Soulie’, who for forty years was responsible for creating all of Carnival’s floats and processional outfits.

Colors of Mardi Gras: In 1872 a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival “Rex” to preside over the first daytime parade. Honoring visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, they introduced his family colors of purple, green and gold as Carnival’s official colors. Purple stands for justice; gold for power; and green for faith.

Official Holiday: In 1873, floats began to be constructed entirely in New Orleans instead of France with exotic paper-mache’ animal costumes. In 1875, Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana, which it still is.

In the last decade of the 20th century, the rise in producing commercial videotapes catering to voyeurs helped encourage a tradition of women baring breasts in exchange for beads and trinkets. Other lasting customs include throwing beads and other trinkets, wearing masks, decorating floats and eating King Cake.

• Barb and other members then shared with the club their dolls and gave details and special facts about them. Many dolls had elaborate Mardi Gras ball gowns or were dressed as Harlequins, Masquerades, VooDoo, Venetians, Jesters, Jazzy.  This was a truly amazing program and display and helped put the club in the mood for our Mardi Gras luncheon occurring the following week. Thank you Barb!

Mardi Gras Harlequins

Indian Krewe

Fashion Ball Gown

Mardi Gras Gambina Dolls

Mardi Gras Voo-Doo Dolls

Click here to see more pictures on Shutterfly!

May 18th Meeting: Doll Competition

Thank you, Pat D. for the following summary of our meeting and photos!

Sandy and her doll competition committee arrived at 8 a.m. ready to move tables, place ribbon dividers between categories and create a staging area for members arriving and entering dolls at 10 a.m.

Part of the fun was finding the “right” spot for our dolls and there was much laughter, measuring of dolls and advice being sought from the committee.

During our business meeting the judges went through the room, comparing and judging the dolls. That was not an easy task and we give a big thank you to Shirley and Karen L.

After a delicious Italian Buffet lunch, the members hurried over to the ballroom next door and enjoyed seeing the wonderful display of dolls. We heard some surprised gasps as we saw which dolls won ribbons and many proud mamas in the room.

There were so many types of dolls from mid-1800’s to present-day; bisque, wood, celluloid, cloth, composition, plastic. Some of these dolls are rarely seen outside their homes. And we truly appreciate those who brought delicate items and antiques. We know we will see these dolls less and less at future competitions due to age and frailty.

“Doll with Other Uses” category was a fun addition, as we saw dolls made into a wisk broom, lamps, candy container, pajama holder and more.

“Doll with Book” category brought many comments like “I remember that book” and “I didn’t know there was a doll for that book”.

And of course we always look forward to what our club’s seamstresses and doll artists have come up with. They did not disappoint. Bravo ladies!

The Doll Competition Committee sincerely hopes that this doll exhibit was a learning experience for all members, and that everyone had a good time.

We congratulate the ribbon winners but we know not every doll can win. If we went home without a ribbon, remember that, because we shared, our members were able to add to their knowledge and enjoyment of dolls.

Wood Doll Before 1940

Pairs Before 1950

Dolls with Other Uses 1940’s to Present

Dolls under 11″ 1985 to Present

Doll and Book 1950 to Present

Doll Clothing Made by Owner

Compo Dolls 14″ and over

Commercially-made Cloth Doll – European before 1950

Celluloid Under 12″
Judge’s Choice!

Doll and Clothing made by Owner – Blue Ribbon!

Members can see more pictures on our CDC Shutterfly site.

Click here to see more!

The first time that you visit Shutterfly, you’ll have to request approval to become a site member.  When your CDC membership is verified by the websmaster, you will get an email to notify you that you have permission to view the site. 

April 13th Meeting: We are Celluloid

Many thanks to Jeannie K. for this summary of our club program and photos!

Program:  “WE ARE CELLULOID” presented by Pat D.

Pat D.

At our April meeting, we enjoyed learning about celluloid dolls, as well as other items made in this material.  It was developed in the 1860’s and was first used as a replacement for ivory.

Most of us had no idea that there was so much more made of celluloid than carnival Kewpies. Pat and several other members provided us with a grand display, large dolls, small dolls, nationality dolls, and even animals and wind-ups.  To quote Shirley K, “From the ridiculous to the sublime!” French manufacturers made them with high quality clothing, the German companies made them with great facial detail. The Parson-Jackson Company, based right here in our own Cleveland, was also represented.

In the 1940’s America outlawed the manufacturing of children’s things in celluloid because the material was flammable.  Pat then discussed ways to care for celluloid dolls, such as NEVER putting them in the microwave, and they should NEVER be stored next to a volcano.

German Celluloid Dolls

French Celluloid Dolls

Celluloid Dolls from Japan and USA

Pat’s Presentation

Baby in a Peanut

 

March 16th Meeting: Juniors Spend Time with Snoopy and the Cleveland Doll Club

The junior members created a craft while the senior members held the business meeting. Pam gave each an 18” doll outfit of Peanuts motif skirt and a white tee shirt ready for the girls to embellish with iron on pictures of Snoopy. They also were given printed sheets with instructions on how to draw Snoopy and the other Peanuts gang and they were given pencils and coloring utensils with which to draw. Quite a talented bunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the Juniors and Seniors enjoyed a tasty potato buffet with all sort of goodies to stuff the potatoes. Dessert was cookies and brownies and everyone settled to hear Pam’s program. This included an entertaining and informative Excel slideshow plus the sharing of many surprises from the huge display of Peanuts merchandise, which filled 5 tables. There was the Peanuts gang in every form you could possibly imagine from figures tiny to 3 ft tall, plush, molded plastic, cloth and so on, plus games, dolls, books, mugs, adult clothing and hats plus 3 boards filled with information. One was about the life of Charles Shulz, another identified the Peanuts kids (Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Pigpen, Marcie, Peppermint Patty, Rerun, Freida, Franklin, Woodstock, Shermy, Violet) and one was dedicated to Snoopy with all the characters Snoopy depicted like Joe Cool, Flying Ace, Detective Snoopy, Legal Beagle, etc. What a wonderful program!

Each of the girls received an Easter basket as well and all enjoyed a raffle of quite a few dolls and doll related items. The money raised will help with the future costs of the Junior club.

Charles “Sparky” Schulz (1922-2000) creator of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang:

Born in Minneapolis, Minn., raised in St. Paul, shy and introverted Charles was the only son of German-Norwegian immigrant parents. He was a good athlete and loved art, especially drawing. He served in the army during WWII then returned to work in Minneapolis doing lettering for a comic magazine. Next he became reviewed and graded lessons from students at Art Instruction Inc. He worked at his own comics until he saved enough to follow his dream. “It’s hard to believe someone can be born a cartoonist. I believe I was….it’s my life.”

Schulz’s first regular cartoons, a weekly series of one-panel jokes entitled Li’l Folks, were published from 1947 to 1950 by the St. Paul Pioneer Press with the introduction of Charlie Brown. Peanuts made its first appearance on October 2, 1950, in seven newspapers. After a somewhat slow beginning, Peanuts eventually became one of the most popular comic strips of all time, as well as one of the most influential.

United Features Syndicate split 50% of the comic strip profits with him. UFS and Shulz heavily persued every newspaper until he was creating a strip every day including Sunday for 50 years….that is 18,250 strips! They were published in 75 countries, 21 languages, 2600 newspapers.

Peppermint Patty was his favorite character. Charlie Brown, Schroeder and Linus are a combination most resembling Charles Schulz and Lucy resembling his first wife. Snoopy was not a big character until he drew him jumping in the air, walking upright and “talking”. Then he became the most popular Peanuts character. Today Snoopy, Barbie and Micky Mouse are the top three iconic American symbols.

In 2000, “Sparky” wrote a farewell strip when he knew he was very ill and it depicted Charlie Brown writing goodbye to all his fans. He passed away the night before that final strip was published. Peanuts is still published today but no new artwork is produced per its creators wishes.

“Merchandise, merchandise, merchandise!” The collectible market for Snoopy and Peanuts merchandise is growing again due to the aging of the original readers.

Junior CDC Members plus program presenter Pam.

Click here to see more pictures on the CDC Shutterfly Site
for CDC club members only

February 16th Program: 100 Years of Female Authors

Many thanks to member Jeannie K. for writing this program summary.

Program:  “100 Years of Female Authors, Celebrating Their Spunky Characters From the 1860’s to the 1960’s”

Many doll lovers happen to also be book lovers.  Many of us have fond memories of getting lost in a book about an adventurous, courageous, lovable heroine, (and wishing we could be just like her!)  Our club was treated to very interesting program, given by Jakki, where we learned more about the creators of these heroines and the values they communicated to their young readers.  We heard about Jean Webster’s Jerusha Abbott, the heroine of Daddy Long Legs, Louisa May Alcott’s Jo, of Little Women, and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Sara Crewe, the Little Princess.  Other authors included in the program were Lucy Maude Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking, Jackie Ormes, Patty-Jo ‘n Ginger, Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna,

Displayed were many of these books, along with dolls that were created to represent those spunky little girls!

Special thanks to Jakki D. for a terrific progam!

January 19th Meeting & Program: Bathing Beauties

Thank you Pat. D for writing this detailed summary and taking beautiful pictures!

January 19 2013 CDC Business Meeting

Deanna greeted 44 members and guests to the January meeting and Julie D.  inspired us with a reading called “Problems Can Advance You”.

Thank you to Sandy S. for providing goodies for the winter inspired Travel Doll Table.

Travel Doll Table

Committee Announcements: 1.) The Competition Committee will be meeting within the next 3 weeks. 2.) The 75^th Anniversary Committee will be getting together in March to work on favors. 3.) Deanna asked for two volunteers for the Nominating Committee.Activity Announcements: 1.) Completion of 1^st payment plus 2^nd payments are due now for the July 31-Aug 2  Washington DC trip. 2.) We now have 51 reservations for the June 22 Mardi Gras Gala. Please bring your donations for helpers and give to Jeanne E.

Program “Bathing Beauties” by Laura B.

Laura brought a few of her tiny figures as representatives and cleverly displayed them in a bowl with sand. Also displayed were vintage postcards, book and photos. She presented a wonderful Powerpoint program with beautiful pictures, facts of various makers, history, current values and many humorous observations. 

Most Bathing Beauties are from the post-Victorian age of the 1890’s to the 1930’s, are 3-4 inches in length and made from porcelain or china. But they can be as tall as 17” and some have tiny wigs glued to their heads in the fashion of their day. They can range from $10 to $3000, depending on maker, condition, rarity and size. Some are nude figures with cloth or netting swimwear. Others are figures with painted and fired swimwear, stockings and shoes. And some are painted cold after they had been fired, which can be rubbed off. In the later years of popularity, bathing beauties were also made in Japan. These are less fine in painting and sculpting and the bisque is usually rougher. Also popular were half doll bathing beauties which were attached to items like pin cushions. They showed up too as inexpensive souvenirs such as a “Souvenir of New York” and many of these are cold painted. And gentlemen would carry a bathing beauty in their pockets in the form of a “Nipper” or flask.

Some German makers of vintage Bathing Beauties:
Galluba – considered the best with very fine painting and sculpting
Heubach – some have larger hands
Goebel – beehive  wigged hair
Hertwig  – fine sculpting
Kister  – hugely produced with less fine features and painting
Limbach – marked with SP and number
Vater  – funny or poignant detailed characters

Bathing Beauties today:  Beware
Modern dolls by reputable artists like Cathy Hansen are sold today and advertised as new. But when shopping for one of these cuties on Ebay or a doll show, be aware there are Reproductions by Mundial and others being sold as vintage. Some makers are taking old dolls and making new molds or take old molds and pour new dolls. These are usually not as crisp in details. Be cautious with  European dealers on Ebay.

Do go to doll shows where you can touch and feel the dolls and see the colors and detail up close. You can also collect vintage postcards, photos, paper dolls and nautical themed items to complement your bathing beauty collection.                 

Laura suggested reading “Bawdy Bisques and Naughty Novelties” by Sharon Weintraub and checking out Sharon’s internet blog for more fun and interesting facts and pictures. Thank you Laura for a wonderful program!

Click here for links to websites mentioned in
Laura’s Bathing Beauty Program

Click here to see more pictures on the CDC Shutterfly Website!  (members only)