Harris/Anderson children on base

1920-30

Place madeUnited States, North America

Ceramic, textile, metal, wood

Overall: 7 1/2 x 13 x 13 in. ( 19 x 33 x 33 cm )

Gift of Helen Burr Smith

1954.217

A letter found with the dolls, written by Helen Burr Smith, explains that she dressed these dolls about twenty years before they were donated, but did not name them until 1954. During a dinner party she gave for two young couples, Rev. and Mrs. Alistair C. Anderson and Rev. and Mrs. George C. Harris, she decided to name the dolls after the Andersons' and Harris' five young children. The letter also states that Helen Burr Smith purchased the dolls and carriages at Woolworth's.

DescriptionFive bisque baby dolls, two in carriages, one in cradle, and two on pillow, all mounted on single T-shaped wooden base; dolls clothed in white dresses and covered with hand-knit pink or blue blankets; some lace bedding; carriages are painted pink and has floral stickers, cradle is painted blue and also has floral stickers; each doll labeled with name.

MarkingsWritten: on label with each baby: "KATHY ANDERSON"; "KARL ANDERSON"; "BABY HUGH ANDERSON"; "GEORGE C. HARRIS JR."; "MARY JANE HARRIS"

ClassificationsTOYS