Doll Collection

Topsy Doll

Black Dolls

The oldest doll in this exhibit is probably the Topsy doll. At the base of the neck “Topsy” is written in cursive with black writing. It has a composition body which was formed by molding a mixture of sawdust and glue. Most composition dolls were made in the time span of 1870-1940. Usually, Topsy dolls only had 3 tufts of hair. Since the hole for the rear tuft is larger than the other three it may have been added later.

The two dolls with straw hats are also old but difficult to date. The hats contain balls made of either old newspapers or magazines. The bodies are cloth.

This doll in the orange dress has Mattel 1978 on the base of the neck. The head and arms are plastic or vinyl. The rest of the body is cloth. The clothes may be original to the doll. The black button shoes were made by the owner who also tied the yarn bow on the braids.

The cloth doll with pink braids in her black yarn hair has facial features which appear to have been hand painted. The clothes and shoes are probably original.

The Amish doll with no facial features was handmade by Lou Weaver, a Laurel County native, who also designed the clothing.