Historic Treasure of the Week - September 27, 1992
By Helen F. Mitchell
Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure of the Week - September 27, 1992
By Helen F. Mitchell
Vigo County Historical Society
Bisque doll boasts beautiful red shoes
This lovely old bisque doll became a part of the collection at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley in March.
Her name is Molly Jackson Brown, and she belonged to a little girl named Anna Louise Brent. In 1916 she was new and her clothes were bright and colorful.
Probably the most noticeable feature was her pair of little red
suede shoes. Even today they catch the eye, and one can’t help but wonder just how
many times they were taken off and on during play.
Molly and Anna Louise were very good friends and spent many pleasant hours together.
During the early part of the century it was customary for photographers to travel through
the countryside and take family pictures. A young child often was photographed holding a
favorite toy or doll.
Molly and Anna Louise share the spotlight in the picture that accompanied the doll. It is not certain if the picture was made by a professional or if it is a snapshot, but there is a copy in the frame behind the first picture.
For many years the doll was mistakenly identified as a Simon and Halbig made in Germany. The markings of "S. and H." on the back of the head might lead to this conclusion, but between the "S. and H." there is a star with the letters "P.B." and underneath are the numbers "1909."
This was one of the markings used by Schoneau and Hoffmeister, manufacturers of fine bisque dolls, many of which were sent to America. The factory was in Kronach, Bavaria. The number "1909" may refer to the year this particular head mold was produced.
Molly has a bisque head with blue-gray sleep eyes and an open mouth which shows four little teeth. Her original wig is a beautiful shade of reddish-brown. The wig is made of mohair.
The body of this 24-inch doll is composition and is fully jointed, making it possible to pose her in many positions. Her joints are at the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and knees. This type of doll body is very desirable.
The beautiful dimity dress was made by Anna Louise’s mother, Maude Dolan Tribble. It appears to have been a very light blue when new and is in two pieces. The blouse and jumper dress are trimmed in narrow lace. Underneath, Molly has a petticoat and batiste combination suite.
She is not now wearing stockings, but proudly displays her little red suede shoes. They are much worn and very fragile, but still pretty and unusual. They seem to be Molly Jackson Brown’s badge of honor for having survived all these years.
This doll and others are on display on the second floor at the museum.
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1311 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.