Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - January 22, 1984
By Helen Fagg
Vigo County Historical Society

Old French doll maintains its beauty

Although Emily is well over a century old she is still as beautiful as the day she came from the factory in France.

Her head and arms are of the finest porcelain and her original body is of kid. She is an example of dolls produced in France during the 19 century by Jumeau

The Jumeau Company was formed about 1843 by Pierre Jumeau and was taken over by his son, Emile, in 1876.

Emile was an architect and knew nothing of the doll industry but soon became known the world over as the maker of remarkably beautiful dolls. His awards for excellency in workmanship were numerous in exhibitions in many countries.

In 1899 the company merged with other French doll makers to from "The Societe Francaise de Bebes et Jouets" in order to deal better with the competition of the many German doll companies. Dolls made by the society were then marked "S.F.B.J."

Prior to World Was I, with the exception of cloth or rag dolls, nearly all of the dolls played with by American children were made in Europe.

Today the Jumeau dolls are at the top of the list with collectors of fine old dolls.

The Jumeau doll at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley was rescued from the Goodwill by Margaret Gillum, donor. According to Gullum's personal notes, "Emily was in a deplorable condition but she was taken to a Miss Walter in Staunton, who repaired her and gave her a new wig." Emily's dress is of pink taffeta with a print of tiny rosebuds. She is wearing her original heeled, buckled slippers. At the crown of her hair she has a small fancy comb, and she is holding an ivory fan. She is, indeed, the picture of elegant beauty.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 Sunday through Friday.