DOLLS

She Reigned Among Wet-and-Drink Dolls for Two Decades

The story of the Effanbee Doll Co. and its founders, Bernard Fleischaker and Hugo Baum, is quite a success story. They were not dollmakers, just businessmen taking a risk. Much of their positive outcome can be attributed to research and new ideas. They studied the market, found what was popular and then added their own creations.

Everything Old Made New … and Better

Everything old is new again. Recent doll industry trends prove the truth of this adage, considering the popularity of reissued American mid-20th-century dolls and their outfits. Doll manufacturers are using old doll molds and original clothing for inspiration in the production of their current lines. Reproductions of dolls, such as Vogue’s “Ginny,” Ideal’s “Toni,” Effanbee’s “Patsy” family dolls and Madame Alexander’s retro dolls, have all been quite popular in both the retail and the resale markets for several years.

These dolls embody the fine workmanship long recognized in China while reminding us of the young women who were rescued from being victims of an archaic society.

At the beginning of the 20th century, destitute young Chinese women dressed carved wooden-head dolls in the costumes representing the various classes of people in their country. These dolls made at the Door of Hope Mission in Shanghai have captured the interest of doll collectors and are much sought after today. Like other pieces of Chinese art, these dolls have simple graceful lines and great attention has been given to the needlework in making their clothing. In the 19th century, foreign powers were trying to exploit China. Many European countries as well as Japan and Russia had been trying to separate China into spheres of influence and gain exclusive trading rights. The American interests wanted access to the country’s resources. This led to the famous “Boxer Rebellion.” The Chinese empress supported the “Boxer” up­rising, which hoped to close China to all foreign influence. During this time anti-foreign feelings were dir­ected at missionaries.

Valentines delight children as well as sweethearts, and many of the playful kid-centric card designs include loveable dolls.

Cupid, hearts and flowers, doves and rings are all symbols of love associated with valentines. Valentine’s Day has been set aside to celebrate the wonderful feelings of love. At first, Romans celebrated Feb. 14 to honor Juno, goddess of women and marriage, with Lupercalia a festival of fertility beginning on Feb. 15. In 269 A.D., Christian martyr Valentinius was put to death on Feb. 14 for refusing to denounce his Christian beliefs. Tradition records that he sent a letter to the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, which he signed “From your Valentine.” Several centuries later Valentinius became St. Valentine. He was recognized as the patron saint of lovers, and Feb. 14 became a time to send notes and gifts to loved ones.