Historic Treasure Article - November 7, 1982
by Dorothy W. Jerse
Curator, Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure Article - November 7, 1982
by Dorothy W. Jerse
Curator, Vigo County Historical Society
This doll in the collection of the Vigo County Historical Society is a fitting for the week of Armistice (now Veteran's) Day
Dolls often reflect the times in which they are made. War years bring forth a number of dolls made in thee image of persons serving in the armed forces. This particular doll is a part of World War I.
The doll was made about 1917 by women at the Women's Prison, Indianapolis. Standing 19-1/2 inches tall, the all-cloth body is hand-sewn. The hair and face are painted on the fabric and the boots are fashioned from black oilcloth. The uniform and hat are made of khaki cloth.
The creation of the doll may have been inspired by the commercial "Liberty Boy" made in 1917 and 1918 by the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. An all-composition doll with the molded uniform of the American doughboy, it was a popular plaything during the war years.
The cloth soldier doll pictured here was a 1978 gift to the Society from Robert Rardin of West Terre Haute. It was given to him by one of the matrons at the Women's Prison.
A part of the doll display at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 South Sixth Street, it may be viewed during open hours, Sunday through Friday, from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Saturdays and holidays. It will be closed Thursday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veteran's Day.