Brenda Starr's backless gowns, c. 1950

Brenda Starr's Paris Fashions, 1950

I wasn't as familiar with the Brenda from this era, with the short bobbed hair. I grew up with the sixties Brenda of the big bouffant, and of course I'd seen the forties version with the shoulder length hair. This 50s version is pretty classy. 

Paperdoll Review #49

Another outstanding issue by Marilyn Henry, Jenny Taliadoros, David Wolfe and many contributing writers. Loved reading about Marilyn's memories of her first encounter with the Ziegfield Girl paper doll and paint book, the same set that enchanted David when he was a kid. Charlotte Whatley and Marilyn give an excellent overview of western-themed paper dolls, Gina Clarke provides a history of the Magic Mary sets and Evie Fullingim spotlights Betsy McCall. Marilyn also takes a look at "growing" paper dolls, that show children growing through the years.   Click on the table of contents for subscription information. Of course, that's Hedy Lamarr and Lana Turner on the cover.

Marilyn Henry's Judy Garland is one of the prettiest illustrations I've seen of this star.

Daphne, c. 1945

Grandmother paper doll, 1940

Artist: Tina Lee, from the Feb. 1940 issue of Jack and Jill magazine.

Betty Bonnet's Twin Cousins, 1916

I posted one twin two years ago--about time I posted the other twin! Lots of stray pieces came with this cut set. Only later did I realize they did not belong to this set, which appeared in the July 1916 issue of The Ladies' Home Journal. The beach ball, for example. Some hats are missing. The bonus is that hand drawn dress, of course.
Thanks as always to Mary Young, whose guide books are invaluable. I recommend Mary's A Collector's Guide to Magazine Paper Dolls, which can be found on eBay or the out-of-print section of an online bookseller such as Amazon or Alibris.

Presidents Day

Yes, it's George and Martha, but not from a historical set, as I explained here. But if it's American history you're looking for, you can't go wrong in Philadelphia. Here's Garth Lax with more information about the host city for this year's paper doll convention: 

2011  INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION                             LET  FREEDOM  RING !                                     Email # 4           IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN #2 Continuing with our tour of the "Old City" of Philadelphia - when we left you 2 weeks ago, we were at the Second Bank of the United States, enjoying its excellent portrait gallery. As you leave the Second Bank of the United States, cross 4th Street, and continue east on Chestnut Street. In the middle of the block is a small alleyway to your right. The building that faces you at the end is a treasure - - Carpenters' Hall. CARPENTERS' HALL Historic Philadelphia. Carpenters' Hall, a splendid cruciform building with an octagonal cupola, hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was the original home to Franklin's Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States. Today, Carpenters' Hall is open to the public and welcomes over 150,000 world-wide visitors to this wonderful Georgian building. Admission is Free. Leaving Carpenters Hall, walk back down the alley. (If you have time, you may wish to stop at the New Hall Military Museum on your left, or, on your right, Pemberton House which houses the National Parks Museum Shop). Cross Chestnut Street, turn right, and in the middle of the block between 4th and 3rd Streets there's another alley leading north. Follow it, and you'll come to Franklin Court. FRANKLIN COURT No visit to old Philadelphia would be complete without mention of its most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin. This is the spot where Benjamin Franklin lived, and although his house was demolished in 1812, it is outlined by a skeletal structure of tubular steel above ground. Underground you'll find a museum with displays, interactive exhibits, and a 22-minute film on Franklin. Just beyond Franklin Court, on Market Street, are restorations of five buildings, three of which were erected by Franklin, that contain an 18th century Post Office, an architectural/archeology exhibit, an operating post office, and a postal museum. It's appropriate, since Franklin was responsible for the US Post Officel Department, and was the country's first Postmaster-General. Leaving the Market Street buildings, turn right, cross 3rd Street, and continue east one block to 2nd Street. Turn left (north) on 2nd Street and walk about half a block to an architectural gem - - Christ Church. CHRIST CHURCH This Anglican (Episcopal) Church, at 2nd Street just above Walnut St., is one of the nation's quintessential Colonial churches. It is a beautiful brick structure with a 200 foot white steeple. Its construction began in 1727, and those who worshiped there regularly included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Robert Morris, and Dr. Benjamin Rush. The church preserves the pews used by Washington, John Adams, and their wives. The interior of the church is every bit as lovely as its exterior. It contains a baptismal font from the 1300s - - a gift from London's All Hallows Church in which William Penn was baptized, a pulpit from 1769, and a chandelier still in use since its installation in 1740. The interior is open Monday-Saturday 9 - 5, Sunday 1 - 5. Your visit to the interior is free; the Church suggests a $3.00 donation. Leaving the Church, turn left and walk 1/2 block to Arch Street.Cross Arch Street, and walk 1/2 block north to Elfreth's Alley on your right. ELFRETH'S ALLEY This 15 foot wide street, bordered by 33 houses is among the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in North America, and is a National Historic Landmark. The oldest houses in the Alley are nearly 300 years old. Among the Alley's residents were tradesmen and their families, including shipwrights, silversmiths, dressmakers, and pewter smiths. The Alley is a rare surviving example of 18th century working-class housing. The Georgian and Federal style houses, two to three and a half stories high, and the cobblestone street, were typical of Philadelphia in the early 1700s. There is a Gift shop in #124, which also offers Guided Tours, and a Museum in #126. All other houses private and must be viewed from the outside. The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM. Museum admission is $5.00 US. Naturally, with a street only 15 feet wide, you stroll down Elfreth's Alley, rather than drive.  Leaving Elfreth's Alley the way you entered, turn left, and walk 1/2 block south to Arch Street. Now, turn right, and walk just over a block to the Betsy Ross House. BETSY ROSS HOUSE According to the oral history, in 1777, three men-George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, visited Betsy Ross in her upholstery shop. Washington pulled a folded piece of paper from his inside coat pocket. On it was a sketch of a flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen six-pointed stars. Washington asked if Betsy could make a flag from the design. Betsy responded: "I do not know, but I will try." As the story goes, Betsy suggested changing the stars to five points rather than six. She showed them how with just one snip of her scissors. They all agreed to change the design to have stars with five points. Betsy Ross then proceeded to construct the first US Flag. Her home, at 239 Arch Street, was built over 250 years ago - - the front portion about 1740, and the stair hall and rear section in the 1750s. The structure is a variation of a "bandbox" style house, with one room on each floor and a winding staircase stretching from the cellar to the upper levels. The building's front façade, with a large window on the first floor to display merchandise, and its proximity to the Delaware River, made it an ideal location for a business. In fact, the house served as both a business and a residence for many different shopkeepers and artisans for more than 150 years. The first floor front room was used as the workshop and showroom. The business owner and his or her family lived in the rest of the house. Today, the Betsy Ross House is furnished in the period in which Betsy lived here. You can view seven period rooms, including a kitchen, parlor, bedrooms,  and the only interpretation of an 18th century upholstery shop in the country. The rooms are furnished with period antiques, 18th-century reproductions and objects that belonged to Betsy Ross and her family. Highlights of the collection include Betsy Ross' walnut chest-on-chest, her Chippendale and Sheraton side chairs, her eyeglasses, her quilted petticoat and her Bible. The house is open 10 AM - 5 PM every day. Admission is $3.00. Hot dogs, drinks and snacks are offered in the courtyard. After you tour the house, make sure to meet Betsy Ross and plan to spend some time relaxing in the shady courtyard where you'll enjoy free family-friendly programming, hear storytelling and see colonial crafters at work. It's a good opportunity to take a little rest. Exiting the Betsy Ross House, turn right, and stroll west on Arch St. for three blocks and cross Arch Street to the Christ Church Burial Ground. CHRIST CHURCH BURIAL GROUND In this two-acre space are 1400 markers, including the graves of Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, Joseph Hewes, George Ross, and Dr. Benjamin Rush - - all signers of the Declaration of Independence; Dr. Thomas Bond, the founder of the first hospital; and Commodore William Bainbridge the Commander of "Old Ironsides", the USS Constitution. The Burial Ground is at the corner of Arch Street and 5th Street. Cross 5th Street, turn left, stroll 1/2 block south, and you'll be right back at the Visitors Center where you started. I’m sure that you’ve noticed that Emails #3 and #4 have taken you on a circular self-guided tour of the sights and venues in the Independence Mall area. You can skip venues if you wish, and at any time, can stroll two or three blocks across the circle, and be back at the Visitors Center. So - - there you have the remainder of the "old city" sights. Well, not quite - - there are a couple more spots of interest that I'll cover in one of the later emails. However, as you can see, a day in the "old city" can bring you face to face with the nexus of US History in its earliest days, and permit you to walk the paths and visit the buildings and rooms where so much history took place. - - Garth         2011 INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION                                August 17 - 21, 2011                   Embassy Suites - Philadelphia Airport                                9000 Bartram Avenue                             Philadelphia,  PA  19153                                                     ******************************************************************************                           CONVENTION REGISTRATION NAME__________________________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________________ CITY_______________________STATE_______ ZIP/PC__________ EMAIL_____________________________________ PHONE____________________________________ Registration:  $295.00 USD  Absentee Registration:  $155.00 USD   (Absentee Registrations are limited in number.) Guest Registration (Meals, Reception Party) $150.00   GUEST NAME:__________________________________________ Make Checks payable to:  2011 Paper Doll Convention ____ Check/money order enclosed ____ Credit Card #____________________________Exp.Date______         (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx accepted)         (charge will appear on statement as "Paperdoll Review") Mail to: David Wolfe P.O. Box 2279 New Preston,  CT  06777 **********************************************************************************

A Purr-Sonal Greeting, 1912

I love this card, not just for the crazy grin on the cat, but for the newsy post on reverse, touching on the cold weather, farm life and even fashion. Note the sender added his own message to the cat's paper: Ye Ow What A Climate.

Here's the news Will sent to his sister, Mrs. Annie Maillat of Parkers Glen, Pike Co., Pa. on Jan. 25, 1912:

Dear Sis, I haven't heard any whippoorwills lately around here but Em saw a robin in one of our trees the other day. I had a letter from Frank yesterday it has been very cold out there too and lots of snow. We have been very lucky to escape that part of it. Lots of sickness around here, mostly pneumonia. Our hens are doing well considering the climate. We get from 10 to 14 from 35 hens. Hope this finds you all well. Will

Then Will adds a line going up the left side: Straw hats are not in style now. Sweet.

Two frisky young pussies! 1907

Egad! OK, this is 1907, I'm sure "Rob" meant no harm by this very weird card. Forget the greeting on the front, which likely makes any smart aleck from the mid-20th century on snicker. What's with the strange looking dame with the fearsome schnozz? And that odd pile of  hair. Looks like a Mad Magazine illustration. Hope Miss Edith Heator and Mrs. N. Steen took no offense.

Here's what Rob had to say:

Will be over Sunday at 2:30 p.m. so be on the look out. Is it lonesome with out me can not get home unless I come after my affinity. It take[s] your affinity to bring you home. Love Rob.

Sounds like Rob was shy about courting, and wanted some reassurance.

Kitty with pink bow, 1910

Mr. Francis Ditzler of 218 Guilford St. received this on April 27, 1910, signed simply, "Guess From Who." Only "City" appeared where a city and state should have been written, and it found its way through the mail. The postmark clearly says Lebanon, so could be Pennsylvania.  

Beatnik valentine, c. 1959

An American Greeting card, which Molly McClure was very clever (and brave) to send to her beau.

Happy Valentine's Day

A tag I made yesterday for my husband. I kept it simple, so I had no excuse not to do it! The tag was a long ago gift in a zine swap, beautifully painted in shades of pink and gold, so all I had to do was glue on elements from my scrap heap.

Thanks to Nan at Retired in Alaska for the inspiration. Check out her blog to see some absolutely gorgeous tags, and some fabulous pictures of her life way up north.

A googly-eyed valentine, 1911

Googly-eyed dolls were quite popular during the era when this card was produced, so it's no surprise they'd show up on valentines, too.  Copyrighted 1911 Schlesinger Bros., N.Y.

Dear Friend
We arrived at Tiffin all O.K. We certainly had a fine time. My address is 19 Coe St.
Cletus Diringer

"Cut me out" valentine, c. 1930s

I love the Fern Bisel Peat line and colors, but not sure this is Peat. The initials under the candy box look like NFC. Hmmm....This is another copy of a vintage card, part of a freebie at a paper doll luncheon.

UPDATE: I just realized I had a copy of a valentine (just the image, captured from the internet some time ago) by the same artist:

"Ballet-Hoo" valentine, c. 1940s

An A-Meri-Card with a cute paper doll and corny pun, of course! This copy of the vintage card was distributed at a paper doll luncheon.

Lily May, 1938

From the April 1938 issue of Wee Wisdom magazine.

Jumbo for Willimantic Thread, c. 1880s

I found this gem in my own backyard, at the "Always Nostalgia" shop in Bogota, N.J. Last year I found a small booklet that described the phenomenon that was Jumbo. 

Debutante sketch, c. 1910

A divided-back postcard, unused, with no date. Marked No. 415.

I. T. Schick & Son Millinery Importers, 1908

A beauty of a postcard from the milliners on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.

And more news from Garth Lax, this time regarding all the great sites to see in the historic city:

2011  INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION                           LET  FREEDOM  RING !                                      Email # 3          IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN #1     234 Years ago a group of 56 British Colonists gathered in Philadelphia in the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania, and from that gathering emerged the Declaration of Independence. In 1787, delegates gathered there to write the Constitution of the United States   Today, the area in which they walked is known as the "old city", and you can still tour the original buildings, see the chambers, and stroll the streets that saw so much of the early history of the United States.   Before you come to Philadelphia, rent a copy of the movie, "1776", or in the U.S. just watch for it on television right around July 4. It's an historical musical, very entertaining, and set in the "Old City" of Philadelphia. You'll watch the recreation of events in the legislative chambers of Independence Hall, and see many of the buildings that we'll mention in this email and the next one. You'll "meet" many of the people who met in Philadelphia in 1776 - - an entertaining Benjamin Franklin, an exceptionally well-played John Adams, a young Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and many more. "1776" will make the "Old City" more alive and your visit much more meaningful.   Let's get started.   INDEPENDENCE VISITOR CENTER   The Visitor Center, at the corner of 6th and Market Streets, is the point at which you should begin. You can view the 28 minute film, "Independence"; visit touch screen computer kiosks; pick up maps and other literature; and have any questions answered by Park Rangers.   However, the main reason is that this is where you'll get your free timed ticket to visit Independence Hall. You must have a ticket to enter Independence Hall. You'll pick up your ticket on the day of your visit starting at 8:30 a.m. Arrive early — during the busy season, tickets often are gone by 1 p.m.    To guarantee a ticket and to avoid waiting in the walk-up ticket line, consider purchasing timed tickets ($1.50 each) in advance, either by phone or online through the National Park Reservation system. You may call toll free at: 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 10 PM Eastern Time or you nay use the website at http://recreation.gov . While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the reservation fee is $1.50 per ticket. You must claim them (using reservation number and valid identification) at least 60 minutes before the tour on the day of your visit. The "Will Call" section is to the left at the desk. You do not need to wait in the walk-up ticket line.   THE LIBERTY BELL   The famous bell was commissioned from the London firm of Lester and Pack (today the Whitechapel Bell Foundry) in 1752, and was cast with the lettering (part of Leviticus 25:10) "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." It originally cracked when first rung after arrival in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by Pass and  Stow, whose last names appear on the bell. It acquired its distinctive large crack sometime in the early 19th century—the conventional story claims that it cracked while ringing after the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835. Originally, the Bell was mounted in the steeple of what today is Independence Hall. For a time (1950s to 1970s), the bell hung on its yoke in the Tower Room of Independence Hall, where it was visited (and touched) by millions, to the point at which portions of the lip had the patina worn away to expose the original copper and tin alloy.   Today, the 2080 pound (940 kg) bell is housed in its own pavilion across the street from Independence Hall. It's Free.   To get there, as you leave the Visitor Center, walk south, cross Market Street, and head for the metal and glass building in the middle of the block between 5th and 6th Streets - - the security screening center. It's a bit like airport security - - place all metal objects in your purse or camera bag, remove your belt. The security line sometimes is long, so check your timed Independence Hall ticket, and allow about 45-60 minutes to go through security, visit the Liberty Bell Center, and go on to Independence Hall. (If time does not allow, then go to Independence Hall and come back to the Liberty Bell later.)   Liberty Bell Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.     INDEPENDENCE HALL   Independence Hall, the centerpiece of Independence National Historic Park, is located on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. The lovely building in the Georgian style, was built between 1732 and 1753, and served as the Pennsylvania State House. This is the building in which the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were vigorously debated and adopted.    The guided tour of Independence Hall, led by National Park Rangers, begins in the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared tables and law books. George Washington’s “rising sun” chair dominates the Assembly Room which is arranged as it was during the Constitutional Convention. In the adjacent West Wing, the original inkstand used to sign he Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are displayed.   The Assembly Room in which the Declaration was adopted is pictured on the reverse of the US $2 bill from the painting by John Trumbull. Independence Hall is open 365 days a year. Hours vary by season.   Following your tour, you'll exit Independence Hall by the front door that faces south. Now, make a quick right and walk to the next building, Congress Hall.     CONGRESS HALL    From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia was the Capital of the U.S., and Congress Hall was the Capitol Building, housing the House of Representatives and the US Senate.   It's next door to Independence Hall - - just to the west.   The exquisite red brick building topped by a cupola and weather vane was completed in 1789. It was in this building that Congress ratified the Bill of Rights, signed the Jay Treaty, watched Washington and John Adams take the Oath of Office as President, and heard Washington's Farewell Address in 1797.   The House chamber on the first floor (hence its nickname, the "Lower House") was rather simple and featured mahogany desks and leather chairs. The room has been restored to its original appearance in 1796. The second floor, reserved for the Senate (the "Upper House"), was more ornate and adorned with heavy red drapes.   By 1796, the room featured 32 secretary desks very similar to the desks that still are used in the current Senate chamber in the US Capitol. 28 of the desks at Congress Hall are original. Portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, gifts from Louis XVI , hang in adjoining committee rooms. Be sure to look up at the fresco of an American Bald Eagle painted on the ceiling, holding the traditional olive branch to symbolize peace. Also on the ceiling is a plaster medallion in the form of a sunburst; the 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies.   Tours are conducted throughout the year.   When you exit Congress Hall, walk along Chestnut Street toward 5th St. Make a right on 5th St. The first building on your right is Old City Hall.   US SUPREME COURT CHAMBERS   From 1790 to 1800, the US Supreme Court met in Philadelphia's Old City Hall, a 2 1/2 story red brick building just to the east of Independence Hall. The building is nearly a copy of Congress Hall, but a bit less elegant.   Guided tours are conducted several times a day. Entry is free, but restricted to the guided tours.   The next building that you'll come to is Philosophical Hall.   PHILOSOPHICAL HALL   The Hall, constructed between 1785 and 1789, was the central meeting place for members of the American Philosophical Society. The Society was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, and its members included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, as well as doctors, lawyers, merchants, clergymen, and artisans.   The building is open to the public and contains very interesting exhibits. The current exhibition, "Of Elephants and Roses; Encounters with French Natural History, 1790-1830" has a somewhat off-putting title. However, imagine yourself in Paris 200 years ago. You could have seen the Empress Josephine’s famous black swan, a mastodon tooth sent by Thomas Jefferson to the Paris Museum of Natural History, and original watercolors by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, known as the “Raphael of flowers.”  These are among the objects that will be on view in this sumptuous exhibition about the science and art of French natural history from the 1789 Revolution to the July Monarchy of 1830 - - an era when Paris was the center of life sciences in the Western world, and Philadelphia, the center of science in North America.   Philosophical Hall is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (on Fridays, it's open until 8 PM)   A $1.00 donation is requested.   When you exit Philosophical Hall, make a left and walk back toward Chestnut Street. Turn right on Chestnut Street and walk about halfway down the block to the Second Bank of the United States.   SECOND BANK OF THE US PORTRAIT GALLERY   At the corner of 4th and Chestnut Streets, three blocks east of Independence Hall is a beautiful Greek Revival Building, one of the finest in the U.S., that was built to house the Second Bank of the United States.   With its eight Doric columns, crowned by an entablature containing a frieze and simple triangular pediment that spans the width of the structure, the building appears much as an ancient Greek temple   The building has had many uses since the bank closed in 1841. Today, it serves as an art gallery, housing a large and famous collection of portraits of prominent early Americans painted by Charles Wilson Peale and many others.   The structure is open daily free of charge.   I'll be back in two weeks with In the Footsteps of Benjamin Franklin #2.   - - Garth   2011 INTERNATIONAL PAPER DOLL CONVENTION                                August 17 - 21, 2011                   Embassy Suites - Philadelphia Airport                                9000 Bartram Avenue                             Philadelphia,  PA  19153                                                     ******************************************************************************                           CONVENTION REGISTRATION   NAME__________________________________________________   ADDRESS_______________________________________________   CITY_______________________STATE_______ ZIP/PC__________   EMAIL_____________________________________   PHONE____________________________________   Registration:  $295.00 USD    Absentee Registration:  $155.00 USD   (Absentee Registrations are limited in number.)   Guest Registration (Meals, Reception Party) $150.00   GUEST NAME:__________________________________________   Make Checks payable to:  2011 Paper Doll Convention   ____ Check/money order enclosed   ____ Credit Card #____________________________Exp.Date______         (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx accepted)         (charge will appear on statement as "Paperdoll Review")   Mail to:   David Wolfe P.O. Box 2279 New Preston,  CT  06777 **********************************************************************************

Certificate of merit , 1908

Fannie Wright received this card from her teacher Grace K.Wiles on Jan. 21, 1908. Wiles must have handed it to Fannie in class (it's not a postcard) and simply inscribed their names and the date.

Yours Fur-Ever Valentine, 1934

A Whitney Made Worcester Mass. card. No message on back, but it was mailed from Sarasota, Fl., to Miss Edith Izier in Ridgewood, N.J.