Vigo County Historical Society

Charmin Chatty and Chatty Cathy were real American girls

The name "Mattel" is familiar to thousands of people today because of the popularity of Barbie and her friends, but we must also remember that Mattel has given us many other notable dolls as well as outstanding toys.

The dolls pictured for today’s Historical Treasure are part of another doll group known as the Chatty Family. Charmin Chatty is the largest of the dolls with a height of 25 inches.

All of the dolls were made in only one size. They were made during the years 1958 through 1960.

Charmin is certainly not beautiful but has a winsome look. Her side-glance eyes and her closed moth make her look like some one you would enjoy knowing. Her short straight hair of Saran was found in several shades of brown.

Charmin had an extensive wardrobe but the school dress of a blue skirt, white top and red striped vest was the most popular. Blue-and-white saddle shoes completed the costume.

Our Charmin came to us in a small child’s print dress pinned in the back to fit, with a fuchsia felt beret also pinned to fit at an angle on her head. Her underwear and white patent shoes appear to be original.

Her companions are Chatty Cathy. One was introduced in 1959 or 1960 and the other one, an exact replica, was made in 1999 to celebrate Mattel’s doll success.

The Chatty doll group had several new and remarkable features. They had wigs of Saran rooted into the head; hard plastic and vinyl parts, cleaned easily with soap and water; and sleep eyes.

The most unusual feature, however, was that they talked. With the use of a record on Charmin Chatty and a voice box in Chatty Cathy, they both said several short sentences. "I’m sleepy," "Carry me," and "Let’s have a party," are a few of the examples.

The voice of actress June Foray was used for both dolls. The voice was activated by a pull string at the back of the neck.

Most of the older dolls did not speak plainly but are still attractive dolls in a collection as they represent the latest for the time in which they were made.

If you have a doll from this era, consider yourself fortunate. She may not have the fragile appearance of the old French and German dolls but she has durability. She is an all-American girl.

Dolls and many other items are currently on display at the museum.