Museum News
It has been a busy time since the last newsletter in May. I thought it was time to fill you in on both past and upcoming events. This past few months have been unbelievably busy both professionally, personally and at the museum. The summer months brought in people from all over the United States. We had people from as far away as California, Michigan and North Carolina. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the museum as well as Joedi’s enthusiasm. We also had a doll artist (Yuki No Ningyou) from Utah who creates Modern Asian Ball Jointed Body Dolls (BJD’s). She was published in the Doll Reader Magazine and Joedi got her to autograph a copy.
The antique/gift shop has also been busy as well as filled with lots of goodies & jewelry so come by and check it out. Remember as a member you can consign items in the gift shop which you may want to do for the Christmas season or just before the April tea. Please also come in and check out our library. Joedi has worked on organizing all the old Doll Readers and we have copies that go back to 1979.
Past Events
On August 21 and 22 I set up at Bryan Mogren’s doll show held at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Joyce, Pauline and I were busy handing out leaflets and promoting the museum. I was also the lucky winner of a lovely Robert Tonner doll that was raffled off at the dinner. It was a great time and I found the majority of attendees knew about the doll museum in Billings. The museum is leaving obscurity.
Our second annual anniversary doll sale was held on September 25th and 26th at the museum. Those who didn’t make it lost out on a great opportunity to meet doll expert and dealer Mary Ann Spinelli from California. She gave an informative lecture comparing French and German bisque dolls titled: "Bebe or Puppen? That Is The Question" on Friday night and showed us rare examples (one example was 1 of only 6 known in the world). We learned a lot about the differences and similarities of French and German dolls. It was a joy to have that caliber presentation in Billings, Montana. Don’t despair if you didn’t attend as she was treated so well she told me that she couldn’t wait to come back!
The doll sale the next day (September 26) was a great success. We did not keep count of all the people who attended (estimated at 50-100) but the day was very busy. The crowd was jovial and ready to buy. The atmosphere was great and everyone was in a good mood. We all had a good time. On Sunday Mary Ann left but not before Joedi’s husband Cal treated us to a private tour of the Moss Mansion. He later told Joedi that touring with Mary Ann and I was like "Herding Cats"! We were all over the place! It was a memorable day. I can’t wait for her to return.
October 17th was the doll appraisal clinic and several wonderful dolls were appraised. A selection of early Madame Alexanders (Scarlet O’hara, Sonja Heine, Kate Greenaway) as well as a Tete Jumeau were brought in. I always love doing this as it is truly amazing how many great dolls are in private hands in the area.
Memberships for many of the members are due now. If you paid for your memberships last year, it is 30.00. Please make your check out to the Legacy Doll Museum. I hope that you will continue to support our museum and utilize the privileges it holds. If you want additional information regarding your membership please feel free to contact me either at the museum number 252-0041 or my cell phone at 860-2608.
The Brownies visited the museum on September 19th in order to receive their hobby collecting patch as well as tours with the Billings Newcomers Group and Red Hat Society Ladies. We are expecting a group of Seniors from PACE on November 13. The visits are great fun and provide the public an opportunity to see the museum and the importance of doll preservation.
We have quite a few 1950s dolls newly priced for sale. I will also deck out the all-purpose room with vintage and new Christmas Decorations. Come in and see them before they are sent back to storage. Have a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and a joy filled New Year! Remember to play with a doll or two.
December 17, 2009 7pm - Members Christmas Party
I am planning a Christmas party for Thursday, December 17th at 7pm. Please respond to let me know if that is a good time or not. I took into consideration that some of you that are members of the doll club and will be having your own parties so thought this was a good date. If not, please let me know. We will have fun!
January 23, 2010 – Doll Appraisal Day 1pm to 5pm
Verbal appraisals will be provided from 1pm to 5pm $5.00 per doll
March 20, 2010 – Doll Appraisal Day 1pm to 5pm
April 17, 2010 – High Tea
Please call Joedi at least week in advance to be sure you get a reservation.
September 18, 2010 - 3rd Annual Anniversay Doll Sale At Legacy Doll Museum
Remember members get a discount on table rental.
New Arrivals & 2010 Exhibits
Some new things are on display at the museum and are awaiting your visit. I have recently acquired a wonderful 58 piece 1870s French Dinner set that is handsomely displayed at the entrance to the museum on the right side. We have also acquired two closed mouth Kestners and an antique doll stove with all the pots and pans. It is truly delightful. A recently acquired French candy container is also on display. I am currently awaiting three exciting additions that will be received in the coming months, a Schmidt type mignonette with extensive trousseau and a wonderful all bisque Kestner. The grand Dame of Dolls, an 1860’s Huret, is also looking forward to being part of our permanent collection. Look for all these by the Spring Tea. We are in the process of photographing the collection for a book about the museum. We will let you know when copies are available.
We will have many new temporary displays in 2010.
Gone With The Wind Paper Dolls - December 15 2009 is the 70th anniversary of the release of the movie and we will have a set of the original paper dolls plus a few extras on display.
Dawn Fashion Doll At 40 - The Topper Toys 6 1/2" Dawn doll is 40 years old in 2010. She is like a tiny Barbie fashion doll. The author of Dawn & Her World: An Identification and Price Guide and a 20 year collector will have the highlights of her collection on display to celebrate.
Bakelite: The Beginning Of The Plastic Age - Come see a display of jewelry, toys and household items made from this colorful early plastic. Do any of you have unusual toys or household items made of Bakelite that you would be willing to lend the museum? If so, please give us a call.
1900 Children’s Clothing - We are working on a display of vintage boys clothing from 1900 and before. If anyone has any pieces to lend to the display we would like to hear from you. We are working on a display that features clothings, toys, books, news stories and significant items from a specific time period like a time capsule. This idea was suggested at our New Year’s party and we are hoping to make it happen.
Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls - This will eventually be part of a perminent collection but we will be focusing on this great doll company. So many people who visit ask about Nancy Ann dolls because they are such a great part of their past.
Madame Alexander Dolls - We are planning on creating a display of a selection of Madame Alexander dolls for the perminent collection. We need to pay tribute to a doll company that has been around for a long time and is still going strong.
