Jack and Jill "Scrappies" paper dolls, April 1944

I was going through my collection of children's magazines last week, and came across this April 1944 issue of Jack and Jill with a story by Maud Hart Lovelace--the beloved author of the Betsy, Tacy and Tib books. Lovelace's story is about a family that collects scrap metal for the war effort. One day, they find an old trolley car and dream of using it as a clubhouse, but ultimately realize their treasure has to be reported so it can be chopped up and used for scrap. Happy ending (and spoiler alert for anyone who finds another copy of this issue): the metal is removed, the rest of the trolley (wood) is painted and restored so the kids can use it as a clubhouse after all! Dad comes home on furlough, and all is well. 

Little Bobby has the last line in the story: "Clang, clang! All aboard! All aboard for the end of the war!"

Wee Wisdom, June 1948

Buy Victory Bonds with Jane Arden, 1942

The Morgantown Paper Doll Luncheon is right around the corner. Have you registered yet? 

Register by April 20 at the $45 rate; after that date, it goes up to $55.

April 20th is also the deadline to get your Dress-A-Doll designs to Jayne Keller.

Laird's Bloom of Youth and White Lilac Soap

Trade card, ca. 1880s

I was introduced to this lovely card at the National Arts Club last year, during a presentation on Dangerous Beauty, all about the toxic rituals of Victorian beauty (belladonna eye shadow, arsenic complexion wafers, and a green dye for frocks that was quite deadly).

Was White Lilac Soap toxic? Hard to say; ingredients are not listed.

Janet Blair

I'm fascinated with old time stars whose names are unfamiliar to me. Janet Blair had the lead in the 1942 film, "My Sister Eileen." You can read more about her here.

This looks like it was cut out from Ripley's Believe it or Not! My friend Carol Carey copied the doll and created a little wardrobe for her in 2005. I'm always on the lookout for photos or illustrations that were not meant to be paper dolls--but fill the bill nicely.

Sandy does the Sixties

Sandy Vanderpool created this set for sale at the 2017 Paper Doll Convention in Philadelphia, which had a "Swinging '60s" theme.

Yes, the doll is Sandy, and the outfits are the ones she wore in that decade. Paper Doll Studio has a lovely tribute to Sandy in its latest issue, which you can order here.

To My Love