Articles on Dolls | Topic: dolls
by Lyndey Gallagher
American Girl Dolls – For Play or Display?
The American Girl franchise has grown wildly popular with both young girls and their mothers. Avid fans of the American Girl series collect their books, movies, and of course, the beautifully crafted American Girl Dolls. But what exactly are the American Girl Dolls? What is their special allure? Are they traditional play dolls, or should they be protected in their pristine condition and put on display? Read on for a brief introduction of the fascinating history and lives of the American Girls dolls.
History Behind the American Girl Dolls
The Pleasant Company produces the American Girl Dolls. As the American Girl franchise grew successful, the Mattel Corporation—home of the Barbie Doll—took notice. In 1998, the Mattel Corporation purchased the American Girl Company, although it still operates with much autonomy as an independent subsidiary. Pleasant T. Rowland conceived the original American Girl Doll. Rowland was a former teacher and the publisher of educational lessons and materials who founded the Pleasant Company in Middleton, Wisconsin. Originally, the American Girl dolls consisted of the three original dolls—Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly. These dolls were only available through mail-order catalog. The Pleasant Company continues to operate from its Midwestern home, further cementing its reputation as an all-American company.
The Mission Statement of the Pleasant Company and their American Girl Dolls
The American Girl franchise seeks to produce dolls that enrich lives of young girls, teaching them about our nation's history, traditions, and celebrating the lives and diversity of American women. The American Girls dolls are designed to be both educational and inspirational.
The Popularity of the American Girl Dolls
The American Girl dolls have achieved widespread popularity with young girls. Different generations of women have also become part of the loyal legion of dedicated fans. Many grandmothers and mothers are earnest collectors of American Girl dolls and accessories. What to say of their popularity? The immense popularity of the American Girl dolls can be attributed to many factors. One factor is the distinct 'personality' of each doll. Each American Girl doll represents an entire history. Each doll is accompanied by its own paperback history and story, replete with historical information. Many parents enjoy and value the American Girl dolls for their educational value. Each American Girl doll is also linked with a variety of historically accurate accessories, including distinctly historical costumes and outfits, furniture, and books. At 18 inches, the dolls are also popular because they are an easy size to costume. Many young girls enjoy designing and sewing period clothes for their favorite American Girl character.
Simply skimming a list of some of the most popular of the American Girl dolls can give a newcomer a good sense of how each doll inhabits a time period and character. Here are some of the most popular American Girl dolls:
- Samantha, a girl of the Victorian era. She was orphaned and lives with her grandmother. Her costumes are ornately Victorian.
| Bit of History |
... my aim is now, as it has been for the past ten years, to make myself a true woman, one worthy of the name, and one who will unshrinkingly follow the path which God marks out, one whose aim is to do all of the good she can in the world and not be one of the delicate little dolls or the silly fools who make up the bulk of American women, slaves to society and fashion.
| —Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842–1911) |
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- Kirsten, the pioneer girl. She is a young and spirited girl growing up on the American frontier of 1854.
- Josefina, a young Hispanic girl growing up on a ranch in the New Mexico territory of 1824.
- Addy, a young African American girl growing up in the tumultuous Civil War era.
- Felicity, a young colonial girl growing up during the Revolutionary period in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Many girls become simultaneously enchanted and fascinated by the fictional yet compelling lives of these young girls. As you can see, the history covered by the American Girl dolls is diverse and divergent. By learning the history of these dolls, young girls also get a vivid glimpse into American history.
The American Girl Dolls as Collectors Items
There has been some debate as to whether American Girl dolls should be treated as play dolls, or locked away in the curio closet. The American Girl dolls are very versatile: they are well made and expensive enough to be treated as collector's items by some fans. They are also not nearly as expensive as other collectible dolls, and some would argue, much too fun to be locked away. The average cost of a basic American Girl doll set is $84. Most fans of the American Girl dolls meet somewhere in between: they take good care of their dolls while also enjoying them.
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