My childhood dolls

I've always loved dolls. I got my first doll at age 6 months, for a Christmas gift from my parents. Yes, I still have her along with one original shoe. She was nearly as big as me!

I longed for a Barbie doll when I was older, but my mom thought it best to give me a knock off doll with a flat chest for my 5th birthday. She thought Barbie's big boobs were indecent! Here is a picture of the doll with the case she came in: The dress she is wearing has a bow around the waist. I learned how to tie a bow using this very same dress!

She was purchased at Woolworth's store on Hastings Street. My sister Leona got a matching doll, only her doll had white hair. Here's the doll wearing a red velvet bodice dress, with a tiered satin skirt. I got the dress for Christmas in 1966. I thought it was so elegant. My doll still has her original shoes!

My aunt Frieda (my mom's sister) sent me a package for my 8th birthday; a bendable knee Stacey! I was thrilled with this doll, big boobs and all! I never liked her white hair though.

For my 9th birthday I was allowed to have a birthday party, and my mom gave me this Francie. I had wanted the blonde haired one. My mom thought Francie was a decent doll to give a young girl!

I have the date wrong on this picture. I got Skipper when I was 11 years old; 1971. She's wearing a dress I spent my money on at the local Farmer's Market in New Westminster. It's handmade and was $1.25 back in the 1970's.

By Loretta Houben