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Across the Fence:  Help me decide about this doll  |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 07:30:49 AM
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I've been emptying my parent's house and I'm down to packing up a few antique/collectible dolls my mom accumulated about 30 years ago. There are a few really large antique ones(32") and I can't and don't want to keep anything that large. Not with 5 dogs and 2 cats! But there's one china head doll I can't seem to let go of. She dates to 1850-60 and is 24" tall. Yesterday, when I was packing up things, I just wanted to pick her up, wrap her up, and run away to Miss Wilma's and see if she has any old material and could make my doll a dress. Then we'd just stay at Wilma's house until the auction is over. LOL! I guess I'm afraid of her getting broken between now and an auction. But what if I keep her and she gets broken on my watch? Boy, I'd feel so guilty. She's survived the Civil War, two world wars, the Spanish Am. war, the Industrial Revolution, etc...I think I need a vacation. Maybe I should do what Nancy Jo does and go lay down until it all passes.
 
What do you all think I should do? My brother says I should keep whatever I want, but it's my dad's money after all.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 08:04:20 AM
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Maybe you could consider donating the doll to a museum. She sure has some history behind her. But, I say, do what your heart tells you. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13618 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13618 Posts |
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Emily Anna
True Blue Farmgirl
863 Posts
Emily
Fort Atkinson
WI
USA
863 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 08:41:31 AM
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I say don't make a decision now. You're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed with cleaning out your folks house. Pack her up nice and safe and wait on it until everything is in order and you're able to think with a clearer mind and heart. If you decide you don't want her, you can always find her a new home later. If you get rid of her now it will be too late to get her back later. She stuck out to you for a reason. You're brother said to keep what you want. I'm sure your dad would rather have you have something special from your mom. Don't make the decision yet....you have time! :)
Emily |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9092 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9092 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 09:58:42 AM
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I insist you keep her. Did you read the book HITTY? by Rachel Field. A period dress and a Maybe a bonnet, put her high up on a dresser. You would not believe what Hitty went through and she survived. Jack and Dave will be upset if they find out you put her up for adoption.
Nancy Jo
PS.Laying down for a minute can be very helpful.
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Nancy Gartenman on Mar 08 2012 10:01:15 AM |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 10:08:26 AM
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Oh, my goodness, Nancy Jo! We think alike! I did read Hitty. And I did think about that yesterday, as I had that doll laying out on a bed! I loved that book so much! And she kind of reminds me of how she looked. And I thought about you telling me to keep a doll and sit her in a chair. :) I think I could get her in some glass front bookcases I bought on an adventure with Wilma last summer. So she would be safe in there(when those get installed at the farmhouse.....).
One other thing, Nancy Jo. Last Sunday, when I was all excited about winning your giveaway, my dh was sitting nearby reading(not paying attention to me and my 'girlie stuff'.) He asked me who did the giveaway, and when he heard your name, he looked up and asked: "Oh, is that the lady with the BEARS?" LOL!
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9092 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9092 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 10:18:33 AM
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Good, now I don't have to lay down. You had me all crazy there for a minute.
Nancy Jo
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 10:45:28 AM
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she is beautiful and i think she wants to live with you.
love
frannie in texas
farmgirl sister#807
home of "green"crafts,
where no scrap is left behind
(http://abunnystale.wordpress.com/)
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machick
True Blue Farmgirl
60 Posts
Diana
Park City
Kansas
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 11:01:50 AM
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I agree, I think she feels safe with you. Thats why she reached out to you. Dont have to be in a hurry to decide. Keep her safe for now. She will help you decide what she wants to do next. Right now just love her...she loves you.
May your bobbins always be full!!! |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 3:26:05 PM
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oh janice she is beautiful...she definitely wants to stay with you and she wants a fitting dress and maybe a small quilt but she is just sure she needs to stick close to you..she is beautiful!
did your mother share with you where SHE got this lovely girl?
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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Bayou Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
252 Posts
Jennifer
Star City
Arkansas
USA
252 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 4:22:24 PM
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Sheis absolutely beautiful! What a treasure! I believe she stood out to you for a reason, besides her wonderful history.
~Jennifer~
Farmgirl #3803
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 6:59:17 PM
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She really is atreasure. Hope you keep her!
marianne |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 7:35:20 PM
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Oh my...I sure hope you keep her. She is wonderful!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1497 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 8:23:50 PM
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I agree with Emily Anna. Keep the doll in a safe place and make a decision later. She is reaching out to you and your conscience is listening. Give her a new dress and see where it goes from there.
When my grandma passed away my brother and I put all of her treasures that we couldn't bring ourselves to let go for any reason in boxes and stored them. A few years later we opened the boxes again and were able to make sensible decisions about what to keep, and what to share with relatives or the local museum. By then my brother had some children and that made a big difference in our choices...they would have lost family heirlooms if we had made rash decisions when we cleaned grandma's house out a decade earlier.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2012 : 9:03:11 PM
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Oh Janice!
She's beautiful! I most definitely would not part with her especially since you are so drawn to her.
I found this website with reproduction fabric, check it out :)
http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 06:11:16 AM
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Janice, I think the consensus is she wants to stay--afterall, 24 inches tall isn't THAT big--she won't take up much space and well, you know what your dad would say--"Janice, keep her." I think she's absolutely gorgeous with those blue eyes and dark hair. Have Wilma whip up a gorgeous Georgian dress and she'll be spot on amazing, even more than she already is!
I know you, and I know you love her--Nancy Jo, Jack and Dave are PRETTY persuasive--I think I'd do what they say!!!!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2873 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2873 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 08:50:19 AM
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KEEP IT!
It can be your Farmgirl mascot (AKA Jack & Dave)
& also your bestie. Won't talk back, listens to everything & doesn't need a yearly rabies shot. |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
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Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 12:29:22 PM
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Oh Janice, nobody will love her like you will!! She is just stunning, and large sized china heads are hard to come by. I hope you will give her a home. Big hugs, Lu
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May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 12:46:29 PM
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Okay, everybody! I knew I could come here and get the best advice. I was at my dad's today, packing up dolls and I decided to keep miss china head doll. Have to think of a good name now....
Sharon - I checked out the sight for the repro fabric and the patterns are so beautiful and just right for her time period! Thanks so much for the info! I'm thinking maybe a dress for each season...Wilma....are you ready to make four dresses?
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 09:29:01 AM
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| That doll is in excellent condition -- museum quality. You might want to find a way to store or display her that will help continue preserving her as well as possible. Perhaps a museum conservator near you could make some recommendations. Sometimes what we imagine would be the best method turns out to be exactly the worst! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2012 : 2:37:04 PM
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That doll is right at home where she is, just get her something to wear.....she looks too modest to stay like that. :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2012 : 4:42:45 PM
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Oh! Oh! Oh! I've been looking for a doll like this for years at antique markets, etc. My Grandma Davis would have this doll on her guest bedroom bed when I slept over and it is what I remember the most about those times - that and the smell of her freshly laundered and line dried sheets.
Hers was not as tall and was in such good condition I wonder now if it wasn't a reproduction. And I suspect she had made the dress and jumper for hers as it surely didn't look store bought - much nicer!
Maybe get an estimate of it's cost and give that money to your father. Or, he may just give it to you out of the kindness of his heart for your mothers sake. If you're afraid of her getting broke you can always sit her in a pretty china cabinet for all to enjoy and have a piece of your Momma, too!
But certainly give her a 'purty' dress out of something vintage. She'd look awfully sweet in a vintage baptismal dress wouldn't she? I know whenever I get my doll she'll sit our bed and remind me each and every day of my dear Grandma.
Farmgirl Sister #2984
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://farmchicatheart.blogspot.com/
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Across the Fence: Help me decide about this doll |
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Help me decide about this doll
