Nellie Custis paper doll, Nov. 1942

Granddaughter of George Washington, as rendered by Fern Bisel Peat.

Children's Play Mate magazine Nov. 1942.

 

Election Day, 2026

If you missed early voting or failed to get your ballot in the mail, head over to the polls. 

Let's place empathy, justice and compassion at the heart of all we do as a nation.

 

Brenda Starr's New Fall Outfits, 1941

 

There are question marks on the captions for the bridal gown and the nightgown...was there a vote by readers? Or maybe a copy editor's marks that someone forgot to delete? Hmmmm....

Brenda Starr's Halloween costumes, October 1942

 

Daisy by Margaret Hays, ca. 1913

 A lovely paper doll by Margaret Hays, who of course is the sister of Grace Drayton, creator of Dolly Dingle and the Campbell Soup kids.

In addition to paper doll books with fairy tale themes, Hays illustrated a number of Valentine cards and postcards, many featuring children with very large hats. Daisy was gathering honey, so the marginalia includes a bee, a bucket and the Bees House.

Brigitte, ca. 1960s

Another gem from the Strong Museum, with a colorful border and all kinds of bonnets! I'm taking a guess on the date; could be 1960s.

 

Angela ca. 1950s

A charming paper doll, from the Strong Museum website. The hats have a sweet 1940s charm, but the outfits seem more like the 1950s.