Help Mr. Zip with the Christmas Mail, 1964

 

From Jack and Jill, December 1964

Fellowship with greetings true ca. 1920s

 

From every one beneath our roof

We send this hearty, happy proof,

Of fellowship, with greetings true,

From all of us to all of you.

American Colortype Company ca. 1920s

Queensboro Bridge Plaza, Long Island City, NY ca. 1913

I still enjoy finding postcards with streetcar scenes, and even more so when they are in New York City. Long Island City holds a special place in memory for me. I worked there once, and for a time lived in nearby Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

I've never seen this brand or logo before: L&V, Famous Throughout The World. Published by Bergman and Pinkus, Astoria, Long Island (actually, Queens, and Astoria is right next door to L.I.C.) Printed in United States. At first I thought the smudged date was 1919; but the last "9" began to look like a "3."

Dear Jo: Here I am at home, arrived yesterday. Feel fine but am still weak and must take care, of course. Love to all, Teddy.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 "Poor old turkey! Today in the pen--tomorrow in the Platter!"

Quacky Doodles and Danny Daddles, 1916-1918, Schoenhut

Postcard photograph by Jackson Goff, copyright Pelican Publishing. The book is by Rose Strong Hubbell with illustrations by Johnny Gruelle of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy fame. Although P.F. Volland is credited on the back of the postcard, that company is apparently the publisher of the book; Schoenhut is the toymaker consistently cited as the creator of the Quacky family of wood toys.

A Theriaults auction description for a complete set of six wooden ducks: 

Schoenhut, inspired by published works by P.F. Volland illustrated by Johnny Gruelle, circa 1920; included is an early advertisement for the books and the ducks which notes that they "never lose their good humor".

The ducks went for $1,400.

The book itself is hard to find, and costly. But a reprint was issued a few years ago. Here is an image of the back cover, which describes the charm of the Quacky Doodles and Danny Daddles storybook characters:

Audrey Ann by Mary Engelbreit 2001

From the newsletter, "Leading the Artful Life," Fall 2001. This was a spin-off of the Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazine. The Home Companion and the Artful Life celebrated crafts, recipes, artists and its readers. I loved peaking into the artist studios featured in the magazine. And the 16-page newsletter welcomed essays by its readers. Although the magazine and newsletter ceased publishing more than 10 years ago, Mary Engelbreit continues to produce many products in her lovely, whimsical style. You can see more of what she's up to at her website.

Brenda Starr Fashion Cut-Outs, Halloween 1942

 

Indian Cut-Outs by Milo Winter

Whitman Publishing, 1938

 

Lucky Dolls

 ca. 1950s

The Black Cat Book, 1905

 

From "The Black Cat Book" by Walter Copeland

Illustrations by Charles Robinson

1905

(Postcard published by Darling & Company)

The Scissors Bird Paper Dolls, ca. 1943

This is by Stephens Publishing, with no date listed, and none found in my Mary Young reference books. I'm guessing 1943, based on the fashions as well as the pulpy, foxed paper inside. WWII rationing of paper and fabric would still be in effect. Clothes are simple, daytime hemlines hovering around the knee.

 

Kitchen and Dining Room cut-outs ca. 1920

 Universal Toy & Novelty Manufacturing Company

Made in U.S.A.

Lovely Lady by Ethel Hays Simms, 1948

This Saalfield book has a lovely cover.

 

Jane Withers by Marilyn Henry

 

A souvenir booklet from the 2005 Paper Doll Convention featured this portrait of Jane Withers by Marilyn Henry. The California events--luncheons and conventions--were star-studded events, masterfully organized by Gene Maiden and Deanna Williams.  

Josephine Baker by Sandy Vanderpool, 1990

Paper Dudes by George Stavrinos

Read more about Stavrinos.

  Thanks to Jeff DiGangi for alerting me to this paper doll and the artist. 

 

Piper Laurie, 1953, Merrill

 

This lovely paper doll of the actress Piper Laurie reminds me of why Merrill paper dolls are so collectible. It's a wonderful likeness of the star, the clothes are beautiful and colorful. This 1953 set contains 3 dolls, all 12 inches tall--what a treat for small hands to dress up.

The Latest Fashion

Cleveland, June 27, 1910

I was thinking you might not have any of these in your collection of postal cards that is the reason I send you this. Thank you for the one you sent me. My best regards and good wishes to both of you.

This one is no longer in my collection. I sent it to the writer who wrote this book; pick it up and you'll see why.

Also, hats will be covered in an upcoming issue of Paperdoll Review. Why not subscribe to make sure you don't miss it?

 

Mundell's Solar Tip Shoes for Children

 

Happy Father's Day!

 

I love everything about this card! I hope it brings a smile to your face, too.

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theme Party, ca. 2017

 

The UCB was a favorite destination in the Before Times, and I'm sad that it didn't survive the pandemic. It was a cheap comedy date!  I found this advertising trade card at the theater one night, about four years ago, and was excited to see the paper doll motif, of course, even though none of the outfits were drawn to fit the actual dolls. It's still cute.

Amy Poehler and Matt Walsh may be able to reopen the UCB in NYC and LA, now that things are getting better.  But it sounds like a challenge.

My Friend Irma paper doll, ca. 1947