Vigo County Historical Society

Here’s the ‘practically perfect nanny’

The subject of interest this week is a doll fashioned after a character from children’s literature.

The was woven into a series of books by P.L. Travers in 1934 and brought to life by Walt Disney in his joyful and timeless fantasy production for the screen in 1965. Julie Andrews, fresh from "Camelot" and "My Fair Lady" successes, and Dick Van Dyke made the results an award winner.

The Mary Poppins doll, marketed by Disney Productions, appeared shortly after the screen productions but was never produced on a large scale.

Who was Mary Poppins? She was an English nanny who looked after children for people of society. When the story opens, Mary is being interviewed for a position on Cherry Tree Lane in London as nanny for Jane, Michael and the twins, the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Banks.

Mary, "a practically perfect nanny," has brought no references with her as she said that references were not necessary. She immediately takes over not just the children but the whole family and household.

Mary Poppins always word a long blue coat over a lighter blue skirt, white blouse, black stockings and high buttoned shoes. Her hat of blue felt completed the costume.

In one hand she carried a rather large carpet bag and a large black umbrella, which took her through the air to places she wanted to go. Her carpet bag held all of Mary’s magic tricks and the carpet bag and umbrella were always with her when she left the house.

The umbrella of the Mary Poppins doll on display at the museum has been replaced by a different kind.

New songs were written for the screen production, including "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "A Spoonful of Sugar." The most memorable surprise of the movie was a word that became a household word everyone wanted to learn to spell and pronounce! Do you recall "super-califragilissticexpialidocious"?

The "Mary Poppins" book and videotape can be found in most libraries. A few dolls made for Sears and Montgomery Ward by Horsman and other producers are available on the secondary market. Mary Poppins is not a play doll but more of a companion with the surprises from her carpet bag.

The Mary Poppins doll, along with others, is a recent gift to the Historical Society from Chery Konowitz.