Greetings from Czechoslovakia, 1938

The perspective in this postcard reminds me of an Escher print.
1938. We know what happens next. The languid street appears full of foreboding...

Paper doll, 1941

Another set from the Carol Carey collection, also for sale at the convention. This is a selection from   "Three Little Girls and How They Grew," Whitman, 1941.

Mary and her Little Lamb, 1907

J. Ottmann Lith. Co., c. 1907.  (The same company that published Fluffy Ruffles.)
From the collection of Carol Carey who will be selling this beauty at the convention, just two weeks away.

Rosalinde by Karen Reilly

Rosalinde, c. 1924 by Karen Reilly, Doll Reader, May 2011.

Cleaning up, 1937

Hello Folks--He shouldn't complain. He ought to be glad he's got a job. Eh What! Kindest regards Arthur B. Witty

True then, true now. Arthur B. Witty sounds like a cut-up (and a pseudonym)! His friends Mr. Dane (or Dave?) Heller and Miss Belle Blass work at Felix Lillienthal, Inc. in NYC. Our Mr. Witty was likely pounding the pavement himself, looking for work.

Comic postcard

Tichnor Quality Views, c. 1940s. Unused.

Bermuda, 1939

Dear Madaleine--Just to show you I forgive you - ha! ha! Here's hoping you will be here some time, it is simply beautiful. Had a grand Trip down. Hate to see the time go by. Regards to everyone--Nina.

This one is addressed to a place of business,  Gleusdee TexTile Co. on Fifth Ave., NYC, so apparently one co-worker to another. Nina no doubt lording it over Madaleine and the rest of the gang.

Mermaid paper doll by Eileen Rudisill Miller

The latest from Dover Publications. Eileen attended last year's convention in Kansas City, Mo. You can order her paper doll book here.

And a big thank you to our friends at Dover for contributing paper doll books for the convention. Three boxes packed with goodies arrived yesterday.

UPDATE: Make that 4 boxes! Another arrived yesterday. Thank you, Dover!

Lion Coffee Nursery Rhyme paper doll

As you can see on the back, there's a baker missing from this set...I'll be hunting him down at the convention, just weeks away!

Sing a Song of Sixpence, c. 1890s. Click on each image for a better read.

The Milliner c. 1898

Lion's Coffee paper doll, part of a set illustrating different occupations. This doll likely came with a hat shop backdrop and a salesman with a display of hats. A beautifully done series.

J.Lo paper doll

A NYC paper doll group round robin from 2004, with three Carol Carey dresses, including Carol's witty take on the everchangin' J.Lo. Scratch that last name!

Paperdoll Review Issue #50

Another wonderful issue from Marilyn Henry and Jennie Taliadoros.  Back cover art by Brenda Sneathen Mattox, a collector and expert on vintage wedding gowns.

Click last image for table of contents and subscription information, or simply click here to order online.

Crinoline paper doll

A Paper Doll Circle insert, July 2011 issue. Swedish. Artist is Margareta L. Eriksson.
 UPDATE: Thanks to Tiina for correcting my original post (I thought this was Danish) and for providing a translation:

Hi! Krinolina is a Swedish paperdoll. At least the texts are in Swedish. Rough translation of the text: " The fine Krinolina lived in a big mansion in the countryside. You must feel sorry for her because her upper body and waste were tightened so hard by the corset that sometimes she fainted. The crinoline elevated her skirts so that she looked like a big ship when she went out with her dog Fido. She lived like a doll imprisoned in her birdcage. All this suffering in order to look fine just waiting for to be married." Tiina, Finland

Susan Boyle by Sandy Vanderpool

On the back cover of Paper Doll Circle, July 2011 issue.

Paper Doll Circle, July 2011

Another wonderful issue produced by Lorna Currie Thomopoulos. Click image directly above for subscription information. Includes articles on the royal wedding, antique paper dolls, Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor and more. Cover art is "Punker Girl" by Christel.

Empire State Building, 1964

 Still a personal landmark, a sign from afar that I'm close to home.

Guggenheim Museum, 1964

Fifth Ave. and 89th St. Frank Lloyd Wright, architect.

Yes, people once dressed for the theater and museum-going. Click image to see what I mean. Love the old-fashioned baby carriage.

Inside, the museum is stunning; some critics say the structure outshines the collection.

 A tower addition in 1992 gave the museum more space for art, but also had the unfortunate effect of making the museum look like a toilet when approached from certain angles. It is an amusing sight that never fails to make me smile!

Econo Laundry Paper Doll, c. 1958

Also known as the Carnation and Coca-Cola paper doll.

The Pursuit by Yinka Shonibare, 2007

The back page of the Lincoln Center Theater Review, Winter 2010. This beautiful magazine was distributed free at a showing of the John Guare play, "A Free Man of Color." I was not enthralled with the play, but the magazine is lovely. Features include interviews with Guare and George C. Wolfe, who directed the play, and articles about society and fashion, and sketches by the designer for the play, Ann Hould-Ward. Click image for closer look.

Donna Reed by David Wolfe

David Wolfe's lovely Donna Reed paper doll can be purchased at the Paperdoll Review site by clicking here.

2011 International Paper Doll Convention sold out

Congratulations to David Wolfe, who has pulled together his first convention in record fashion! Registrations, absentee souvenirs, sales tables and presentations are fully subscribed. It promises to be a stellar event. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Independence Day

Clapsaddle postcard, c. 1905. Found on the web. Bright colors, subtle phrasing, quite endearing.

Elaine Stewart paper dolls

Collecting paper dolls leads you to long-forgotten celebrities. I'd never heard of this actress until I saw her paper doll a few years ago on eBay. And I never knew her film work, or that she was promoted as a brunette Marilyn Monroe, until I read her obit last week. You can read it here.

Pan Am Building, 1964

The Pan Am Building (now MetLife), the Helmsley Building, the Chrysler Building and even the old Daily News building on 42nd St. (rising behind the shorter white building) can be seen here. I worked several different jobs in this area over the years, and have a great affection for it.