Howdy Doody Marionette

by janie on December 27, 2009

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What is there about Christmas that brings out the child in us?? It doesn’t seem to matter how old we get, the Christmas holiday seems to bring back fond childhood memories. I can still remember what doll that I received on the Christmas mornings from age five to twelve! Several of the dolls mentioned in other articles are the ones that I had as a child. These dolls are the reason that I started collecting more than twenty years ago. Recently, I was looking through old photos and found a picture of me and my Howdy Doody marionette/puppet. I thought I would try to share that 1950 photo. I was five and couldn’t wait to watch the Howdy Doody Show. It was in the early 1950′s when TV was just beginning. All I wanted was a Howdy Doody puppet! I think my marionette was made by Peter Puppet Playthings. Maybe someone can verify that. I just know I loved him with his cute freckled face, cowboy outfit and boots, and strings that would always getting tangled. I hope this past Christmas has brought back wonderful memories for all of you. I would love to hear some of them. Let me take this time to wish all readers a very happy and healthy New Year!

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In 1964 Mattel added a new hairdo style to its line of Barbie dolls. It was known as the Swirl Ponytail Barbie or is also referred to as a side part or swept ponytail. The new style came brunette, blonde, platinum blonde and titian. This doll came with a red swim suit a change from the earlier black and white striped suit. This style Barbie had the Midge/Barbie body with the addition of the word patented on the last line. This mark was found on one side of her butt. They also had a variety of lip colors. Some were red, while others harder to find are light pink, coral, white and a “mustard” color. These dolls have become very collectible today and usually command a higher price than other dolls of the same vintage.

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Amosandra Doll in Original Box

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Tammy Dolls by the Ideal Toy Corp.

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The Ideal Toy Corporation began production of their teenage doll, Tammy, in 1962. Like the many other teenage fashion dolls of that time, Tammy had many outfits and accessories. The high quality outfits depicted the styles of the early 1960′s . The 12″ dolls had vinyl heads (rooted hair), legs and arms with plastic bodies. [...]

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1968-1969 American Indian Ginny Doll

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1974 Raggedy Ann Dolls by Hallmark Cards

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In 1974 Hallmark Cards, Inc. marketed party goods and other paper products with the Raggedy Ann theme. Among the most collectible of these items is the series of 5 1/2″ soft stuffed dolls. The series consisted of Raggedy Ann, Raggedy Andy, Beloved Belindy, Uncle Clem and Henny. It was the first time since the early [...]

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Singer Toy Sewing Machines

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The Singer Manufacturing Company began manufacturing sewing machines in 1851. In the early 1900′s they produced the first small sewing machine for girls. These small machines have become known as toy sewing machines even though Singer advertised them as “portable, not toy machines”. The very early ones were made of cast iron and had an [...]

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The 1962 Jill Doll by Vogue Doll Company

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The Vogue Doll Company discontinued manufacturing their popular all hard plastic Jill doll in 1960 (see article in category 1950′s). Because the doll company subsequently received so much criticism, they decided to create an “All New Jill” teenage doll in 1962. She was an all vinyl doll with rooted hair and sleep eyes with molded [...]

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Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machines

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I must admit that besides my passion for dolls, I absolutely love vintage Singer Featherweight sewing machines. I bought one about ten years ago and now find it very hard to pass one up if the price is reasonable. Consequently, I am finding it difficult to store them all in my sewing room. They are [...]

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