I decided that Caroline needs a post of her own.
She is a very special doll living on a shelf in Mum's sewing room.
Nana was given her when she was a child. Mum reckons it was possibly when she was about 10 and as Nana was born in 1916, that makes Caroline over 90 years old. Nana's Aunty Carrie Dixon gave her the doll and that is how she got her name, Caroline.
Mum remembers she was a very special doll even when she was growing up. If she or her closest sister were sick but were on the road to recovery, they were allowed to play with Caroline. She was always kept on Nana's dressing table. I remember seeing her there when I was young but don't ever remember playing with her.
During the 1940s sometime, Caroline had to go to the Doll Hospital for a new wig and a bit of a makeover. I'm sure she was very happy...until Mum's youngest sisters (twins who were 15 years younger than mum) got busy with the scissors one day and gave her a bit of a haircut. She's worn a bonnet ever since.
(The sisters in question appeared on my blog *here* albeit a lot more grown up)
She had a variety of clothes; some very 'old fashioned outfits' according to Mum (Probably the height of fashion in the 1920s) but all that is left now is this sweet outfit Nana knitted during the 60s.
One last photo -
She is a very special doll living on a shelf in Mum's sewing room.
During the 1940s sometime, Caroline had to go to the Doll Hospital for a new wig and a bit of a makeover. I'm sure she was very happy...until Mum's youngest sisters (twins who were 15 years younger than mum) got busy with the scissors one day and gave her a bit of a haircut. She's worn a bonnet ever since.
(The sisters in question appeared on my blog *here* albeit a lot more grown up)
Looking closely at her and after a wee search with Mr Google, I think Caroline is what they call a Composite doll, made from a combination of materials/glue/etc and quite popular during the earlier 1900s. Some pictures I saw showed the dolls flaking or the glaze cracked, but Caroline doesn't show these features. Her fingers are a little chipped though.
One last photo -
'til next time,
happy stitching,
that is nice to still have the doll - I have one put away someplace that is a mess that belonged to an aunt and it must range from the 1920 era or earlier like yours - I have never tried to fix her up. She was a mess when it was passed to me to save I really should find a clear plastic box or something to put her in to preserve for future generations instead she is on a shelf in the closet lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure - I wonder that she wasn't sent back to the doll hospital for another makeover!!
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is time for a fresh outfit...in amongst your other projects!
Yes, what a treasure, and lovely memories :-)
ReplyDeletexx
I wonder where my mother's doll has disappeared to?? Now I'm on a quest to find it for my granddaughters!! Caroline is lovely and well loved (except maybe by the twins!!).
ReplyDeleteWhat beautifully fond memories. We should all those.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely story... & treasure...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas xox
Great share. Such a pretty face on that doll, and considering all the little hands that have handled her she is in pretty good condition for a 90 year old.
ReplyDeleteShe is a beautiful treasure. I've been catching up on reading your posts. You've been busy. Only a few more days to go until you complete your challenge. You've done well.
ReplyDeleteShe is a treasure and what a lovely story she has to tell:)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Doesn't she have a pretty face, it is very special having something that old still in the family.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful family heirloom, certainly one to treasure with that history.
ReplyDeletewhat a pretty face Caroline has and its great she still wears the outfit your Nana made her... lovely memory to have...
ReplyDeleteHugz
What a lovely tale about Caroline.....I am sure she could tell a story or two. Thanks dor sharing...loved it xx
ReplyDeleteI recently got my mother's two dolls, one with hair, one a china head. The china head was broken at sometime, and the neck and shoulder area is now covered in cloth glued to cover the cracks. I intend to make new "old" dresses for both of them.
ReplyDelete