August 9, 2026, Meeting

The meeting focused on the recent United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) convention in New Orleans. Members who attended the convention shared some of the treasures they brought home. 

Jenell Howell brought these two beauties. The doll in the box is from a luncheon event and is Starlisse by Robert Tonner. The cloth doll she found at the Original Doll Artists Council of America (ODACA) exhibit and was created by Deanna Hogan of Blue Heron Dolls.

This dainty damsel is an all original all-bisque doll made by the German firm of Simon and Halbig for the French market. Jenell won her at the Theriault's auction, held in conjunction with the convention.

The Doll Dreamers Market was another doll show held at a nearby hotel. There Jenell discovered these two early mohair kittens by the German company Steiff.

While there, she also purchased this early closed-mouth doll by the German Company J.D. Kestner. The mold number is 189.

This reproduction French type all-bisque was created by doll artist Darlene Lane and was the souvenir doll for the luncheon event "High Tea with Rosalie."

Another luncheon souvenir is Beltha by Ruby Red Galleria.

Both Jenell and Myrna Loesch brought home this delightful diminutive doll and trunk by artist Maggie Iacono.

Myrna won this elegant Gene doll at a doll bingo event. 

Both Jenell and Myrna shared their bargains from the UFDC boutique, which offered for sale hundreds of dolls donated to the UFDC for fundraising, with the prices being discounted throughout the week.  This lithe lady is Vita by Horsman.

An all original composition Princess Elizabeth by Madame Alexander.

Also by Alexander is this composition bride in her original bridal attire.

Jenell loves the character of Alice in Wonderland and she found two composition examples by Alexander. 

Three adorable eight-inch children; the seated sweetie in a romper is Quiz-kin by Alexander. There are buttons on the back that allow the doll or nod or shake its head.  

Sharon Weintraub shared her single purchase at the convention, this black Jumeau 1907 model, Size 1. Sharon noted that the style of her clothing precedes the doll by a couple of decades, but the frilly frock is beautifully sewn out of antique materials and perfectly suits the little doll.

Members who did not attend the convention shared some of their dolls. Kenneth Reeves brought this doll by artist Susan Wakeen. Her dress is original, although Kennth added the tights and hair bow.

This is his 15-inch Miss Revlon by Ideal Toy Corporation. She wears an outfit made by a friend of his.

David Craig shared this doll from Integrity Toys, which had traveled with him on a recent trip to Portugal. He noted that her dress closely matched those he saw being worn by Portuguese women. 

Nancy Countryman brought this Nancy Ann Storybook Doll in her original box. Nancy Ann Abbott began her company in 1936, but this doll with a vinyl head and rooted wig is probably the last of the famed Storybook line, made sometime in the late 1950s to the mid-1960s.

 

August 11, 2024, Meeting

Members Jenell Howell and Myrna Loesch gave a report on the United Federation of Doll Clubs Convention, held July 23rd through the 27th in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Jenell's convention find was this dashing Puss in Boots by doll artist John Wright.

Myrna shared the convention souvenir doll, "Miss Unity" designed by Helen Kish,

this all-bisque reproduction doll by Darlene Lane from the Fourth of July Luncheon, 

this fashionable femme from the Doug James 1470 line with multiple detailed outfits and accessories (the doll is a James' interpretation of the antique Mold 1469 by German maker Simon and Halbig), and

this vintage composition Madame Alexander Madelaine Du Bain she found in the convention sales room.

Also in keeping with the convention's Wizard of Oz "There's no place like home" theme is this Connie Lowe doll dressed as Dorothy.

The 2025 convention will be in Norfolk, Virginia, home to the Barry Art Museum and its collection of dolls and automatons.

Member Sharon Weintraub shared her purchases from the sales room. The spotted dog is "Rag," an all-bisque dog designed by Georgene Averill, who joins his companion, "Tag," the white kitten already in her collection. The little antique china doll has a squeaker in its cloth torso.

Member Elaine Jackson displayed this souvenir doll, Rosita, from the 1984 convention in San Antonio. 

Member Sylvia McDonalds shared these two Käthe Kruse dolls from previous conventions. This is "Fritzel," a special limited edition doll made for the 2000 convention.

 

Gretel was made for the 2007 convention. She is stuffed with reindeer hair and is dressed in a traditional Austrian outfit.

Member Jan Irsfeld displayed this Madame Alexander Cissy doll in an elaborate equestrian outfit.

This vintage Cissy belongs to Member Pam Hardy. Jan made the dress and Myrna her shoes.

Member Elaine McNally shared this charming cherub.