The Amosandra baby doll was manufactured by the Sun Rubber Co. located in Barberton, Ohio in the late 1940′s. Packed away for posterity, I found a photo of me with my doll in 1948. The story goes that she was the baby daughter of Amos from the famous Amos and Andy Radio Show. Ruth E. Newton was the designer of this very sweet doll. Ms. Newton was a well-known artist at that time who illustrated many children’s picture story books. The doll was clearly marked on her back, AMOSANDRA, copyright Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. Designed by Ruth E. Newton, Mfd. by The Sun Rubber Co., Barberton, O., U.S.A., Pat. 2118682, Pat. 2160739. This little cutie is 10″ tall and made entirely of rubber. She was fully jointed so her head, arms and legs were poseable. She was one of the first drink and wet dolls and was completely submergible. Her hair and facial features were painted. She is now considered to be one of the first Black American dolls and has become highly collectible. One must keep in mind, however, that age hasn’t been kind to some of these dolls and, unfortunately, some have succumbed to unavoidable rubber deterioration. Please visit the May 2008 archive for another article and photo about the rubber condition of Amosandra. Just click above on “janiesdolls.com” and click on the May 2008 archive listed in the right column. I had no idea that Amosandra touched the lives of so many of us baby boomers. See new pics of MIB Amosandra in September 2009 archive. Thanks!
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
Would you be willing to post, or to email me, the photo of you with your doll? I teach a course about American radio, and would love pictures from the time period showing how these “race dolls” were played with across racial lines, because of the popularity of the television and radio programs featuring Gosden and Correll in blackface. My mom had one, and I remember playing with it in the 1970s – they are charming, and such an interesting American artifact. Would be very obliged. Great site, love your photos.
I love your doll. I also have a Amosandra doll and she is hard and crack on her face. I wish I could find one in good condition as she was always my favorite and have had her stored for many many years.
Thanks for your comment. Good luck finding one is nice shape. These dolls are now almost 60 years old and suffer from rubber deterioration…very sad!!
I played with my Amosandra doll in the early 1960′s. She had belonged to an older cousin. Unfortunately she melted when left to close to the radiator. I have fond memories of my beautiful baby doll.
I too had an Amosandra doll that was my favorite. It had been stored since I was a child and my daughters were not allowed to play with it. My oldest daughter secretly took it out of storage (when she was 6) and then hid the doll in the back of a closet on the second floor of our home – next to the outside wall – in August. Needless to say, Amosandra suffered greatly from this treatment and I have been suffering since that time at the loss of my favorite doll. Thanks for the great photo of Amosandra. She brought back memories of my happy childhood.
It is so nice to hear that sweet little Amosandra brings back such fond memories. There is no doubt that she is one of the cutest dolls every made!! I would love to hear more stories.
My brother and I put our money together and bought our little sister (aged 3) an Amosandra doll for Christmas in about 1956. Our sister loved her and named her Chocolate Drop. I don’t know what happened to her, but I imagine that time destroyed her. I wish a doll co. would put out a plastic doll from the same molds, as I would love to give my sister that doll again.
Thanks for sharing your memories of this sweet doll. Sounds like your sister is very lucky to have such a caring sister and brother.
my mother has an amosandra doll that she got in 1953 it came with a birth certificate and a arm bracelet which my mother still has both and the doll but unfortunately she melted in spots and cracked but then a few months ago she found another one at a yardsale but she is missing an arm and a toe has been chewed she wrapped her in a blanket so you couldn’t see it and is very happy to have one in better shape than the original that even though it is in bad shape she will never get rid of it.
I enjoyed your comment! Amosandra was truly a special doll!
My little “Amosandra” baby came to me by way of Santa in 1946. She has ben my constant companion ever sence. She was given a wardrobe of nighty, robe, silk and lace diapers and a blanket all in pink by my mother. All hand made. For her year old Christmas, Santa gave her a cradle. All of which I still have today. She has laid in her cradle in my bedroom in every home my late husband and I have ever lived in. She was never alowed to be played with. Of course having three boys helped to preserve her. But she has cancer ever so bad now and not much longer for this world. I just havn’t had the heart to put her away. She remains wrapped in her blanket and lays on her side so I can still see her smile. If a good replacement ever comes on the market, I would hope some one lets me know. I breaks my heart to give her up.
Thanks for your little story! I am very sorry to hear of your doll’s condition. Unfortunately, the rubber deterioration is much too common with these sweet dolls. I have one that is also suffering…but I will keep her until there is nothing left!
Our baby sister, Kay, in the forties, had saved her pennies, nickles & dimes toward an Amosandra doll. We listened, religiously, to the radio show; to all the comedy shows, of that time, “Fibber Magee & Molly”, “Amos & Andy”, etc.!
Nothing but an Amosandra doll would please her. She purchased the doll for
$3.98, I think it was (with our Dad’s help) at a local drug store. The first of
many Amosandra dolls. It came with a little bottle; you filled with water & she
would wet her diaper. Which, of course, had to be changed. Eventually, the
water rotted out the doll.
So, am trying to bid on the doll as a surprise gift for her. She had about 4 or
5 of these dolls, eventually, which she just ‘wore out’ with her wear & tear but
she is a beautiful memory & thank God, some have survived.
Thanks for this lovely photo.
I’m printing it out for my sister to see.
Loretta Johnson
loretta@ifco.org
I loved your story! Hope you find one…what a nice gift!
I’m a 62 french grand mother and I found out that this was the doll that my father brought me back from the states in 1950 . I was five years old and wanted a black doll. My father always told me that he had a lot of difficulties to find one and that no one wanted to sell him a black doll… Anyway he brought back this marvellous little doll to which I gave so many bathes that ten years later I found the rubber all rotten and I buried it in my garden , crying so much…I just loved it.I’d love to find one not too badly hurt like the one on ebay this week but they are very expensive maybe the will reedit the mold … if they do let me know and if you feel like it give me some news in France of this marvellous little afro american doll
This special doll made so many little girls happy (I am also 62 now!) She was truly one of my favorites. Thanks so much for your comment.
My sister and I (65 and 63 years old) each received the Amosandra doll from Santa. My sister’s doll has really suffered from rubber deterioration. My doll was about in perfect shape, but I packed it in a box with some other old dolls when we moved and after two years, I have just unpacked the dolls and the head is all out of shape. I do wish I could find a new head. I was going to try a hair dryer on her head but after reading the comments I am glad I didn’t. I plan to try ebay. I have to agree that Amosandra is one of the cutest doll ever!
I hope I can find an Amosandra doll or at least a head for my doll.
After reading your comment, I just had to take another look at my poor baby!! In just a month there is a lot more deterioration. The wonderful doll pictured is one that I had for a short time and sold her. I am willing to bet that now she could also be showing signs of the “plague”. Unfortunately, nothing that I know of can stop it. Best of luck finding one.
bonjour, amosandra a été ma première poupée. Mon grand’père l’avait commandée sur un catalogue qui venait de Chicago et qu’il recevait en France. Je ne l’ai plus depuis très longtemps et j’aurais aimé en retrouver une.
Have been researching Amosandra and what a great feeling to learn of so many others who have loved her. I am 69 and remember living in Chicago, taking the trolley downtown and my Mom buying her for me in the Woolworth’s store for $.40 – lots of money back then. It was areal treat to get a gift inbetween Christmas and my birthday. She was my favorite of many dolls – she, too, has suffered rubber deterioration in back of head, arms and legs but her tummy has survived well. Has anyone tried a trip to the doll hospital for some help? Would love to hear from anyone. I have her dressed in the sweetest little pink gingham outfit with bonnet that I made for her a few years ago. I also would love to find another.
Loved your story!! Thanks for your comment. We could all start an Amosandra Doll Club!!!
I am 67 and received my Amosandra from Santa in the early 40s. I loved her with all my heart. I grew up and moved north. My mother gave by sweet baby doll to my cousins. They destroyed her in a short time.
I cried when I saw Amosandra on EBay. It was very sad to see her all battered and torn. I am searching for another one in good condition.
Thanks for visiting the site and your comment. This wonderful doll does bring some emotions to the surface! Good luck finding one!
Thank you for jogging my memory. Ahhh nostalgia. *Sigh* Would you believe I actually had the “prototype” of this darling “Amosandra?” Really!
My Dad, Joe Schweiger, was the sound engineer on “Amos ‘n’ Andy” (and many other popular radio (and early TV) shows. Freeman Gosdan actually gave my Dad the first Amosandra doll, “just to bring home to his daughter.” She was just beautiful and was my favorite doll for many years. She was different from the “run of the mill” caucasian baby dolls and I prided myself on being her “Mom.” Sadly, she eventually got given to the “Goodwill” during the time we moved to another home. I was upset and missed my baby. Thanks for the memories! Love, Carol
How amazing! Do you remember if the prototype was the same as the all rubber doll that the rest of us had? I hope others will enjoy your comment as much as I have! The internet is so amazing…without it I never would have had the pleasure of hearing your great little story!! Thanks so much.
Gosh Janie, I wish I could answer that. I think she was. As I recall, she came in a darling checked outfit and had a beautiful face. I loved her to pieces. My Mom and I made her other doll clothes. She had a bottle and she wet, too. She was amazing! I am so sad that I don’t have her anymore ~0:’-(. From what the others have said, I doubt she would have survived the environment because she was made of rubber, as I recall. I’m sure (in that she was the first) she must have been like the others that followed her though I’m not totally certain.
Yes, the Internet certainly has changed our lives! Can’t believe you got back to me so quickly!!
Love,
Carol ~0:-) “Nikkie”
Thank you for your followup comment…keep checking to see if others have a story to tell. Of all the dolls on my site, Amosandra is getting the most attention!! I guess she really was a very special doll.
I wonder if there are more than one version of this doll or slight differences for different years of manufacture. My Amosandra doll had her “copyright info.” on her back as you have stated in your article. I have also seen dolls with the “Amosandra Copyright Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.” on the head near the neck area and the rest of the information on their back and the eyes are plastic not painted on. I would think these dolls would not be fakes as they too have the deterioration problem. I also remember the doll’s distinct smell. I inherited my doll. My aunt bought her two children each an Amosandra. One cousin lost their doll. My aunt could not determine which of her children lost her doll, therefore she gave the doll to me. An like the other people who have written to you it broke my heart when she started to deteriorate. Maybe some day some on will do a complete history on this rare Black American doll. It would also be great if someone could find a way of keeping this doll from deterorating further than they already have.
I have also seen Amosandra with the plastic inset type eyes. My guess is that it is a later version, perhaps the early 1950′s. Isn’t it amazing how we can remember certain odors! I know just what you mean. Maybe someone will comment and give us a definite age for the dolls with the plastic eyes. Thanks for your comment.
I have been doing some research on Amosandra and I read somewhere that the plastic inset eyes does indicate a later version and the reason for the change is that the painted eyes didn’t last, the paint would rub off. I am no doll expert so I can’t say for sure.
I also have a question for Carol Worth..do you know for sure what year you got your doll or when the first doll was sold to the general public? I have been told it was just before Christmas 1948.
Even though I don’t have the picture of me with my doll anymore (too many moves), I do remember the photo and where I was when it was taken. I am sure it was the summer of 1949. There is a good chance it was a gift for Christmas 1948. My doll had the painted eyes just like the one pictured here. I still had my doll when my son was born in 1968. I know he played with it and I probably tossed it out!! Of course, that was before I started collecting dolls. I can’t believe I would have done that! Thanks for your comment and hopefully Carol will post an answer to you!
I have a doll just like this one she was given to me on my 1st Birthday 48 years ago she is in great shape and I have always called her Helen. My Aunt brought her back from the South, I was the only kid in a very small town witha black baby doll and I have been searching to find out who made her and if there were others. Helen has a small stamp on her bottom JD her features are beautiful and so detailed. Helen does not have arms and legs that move her head does. She has very detailed toes fingers and ears.
I have this doll. I just need to locate her from a box, I know her fingers were starting to deteriorate, but other that she is in GREAT shape. Does anyone know what she is worth today? I always loved her name! it’s so unusual.
I searched for ever so long to find out anything about this doll! I’m so glad to find this site and the beautiful picture of my beloved “Brown Baby”. I got my doll as my very first doll when I was 2 1/2 and I am now 61, so she was probably given to me in 1949. I named her Brown Baby and as my mother told me, she came in a little pink suitcase and she was one of two dolls – they were TWINS! Since I was so young, my mom only gave me one of the dolls and put the other one away. Unfortunately, a house fire destroyed both of them. I was gifted with another set of the twins when I was about 5, and this time I got them both. I clearly remember the two and they had the glass eyes you mentioned. I loved them so deeply and completely that despite many many dolls in my life, my Brown Babies were always my favorites. What is truly unique is that even though I was told I’d never bear children, at 28 I gave birth to beautiful twin daughters! Would you believe that their last name is BROWN! Real, live Brown Babies.
My dolls also deteriorated from heat, water, and time. I would love to find them again, new or old!
Monnie, I loved your story!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting
I was given one of these dolls in on my first birthday, 02/23/1954. She had the glass eyes. She was my favorite doll. Also the favorite of my little sisters.
I still had her in 1972 when our first son was born. It survived all 3 of our sons growing up. When we moved back into town in 1987 my doll came up missing. I had her in a little red nightgown sleeper because her arms and legs had come apart. My sister found one of the original dolls without the glass eyes and bought it for me in the early 90′s. She paid $80.00 for her. I have her right here in front of me as I write this. Part of the rubber is as smooth and beautiful as the day she was made. Her tummy, legs, and arms are badly weather checked but no real breaks. She also has all of her fingers and toes.
I found this sight in trying to find a way to preserve rubber. I guess their really is not much I can do except to keep her away from heat and sunlight. We will try making a little glass case that is air tight to keep her in unless someone can give me a better idea. I guess I am very lucky.
Janice, I just wrote an updated article about Amosandra and her rubber deterioration problem. It is in the May 2008 section. I have pictured my poor baby and have added a bit of advise about the care of these dolls. Thanks for stopping by the site and come back again.
I had two Amosandra dolls. My family was very poor but I managed to get one for Christmas twice. It was the best gift I ever had. I handmade all of her clothes and learned how to knit so that she could have a hat and coat. When I think of how much my mother had to do to get that doll for me, my heart swells. Later, I found a replica for my niece who is not trying to find one for her daughter. Hopefully, someone will realize what a joy that toy was and will redevelop her. One thing I remember most is that she always smelled like a baby. How was that? It is great to see that so many other people enjoyed her like I did. I thought she was a “poor” baby. Now, at 62, I realize she was richer than any toy I could have had.
My favorite doll ever was Amosandra which I got around 1949. A little girl hid her from me and I never got her back. I have tried so hard this past year to get one since she is one of the most precious of my childhood memories. Does anyone have an idea of how much they go for now?? I don’t want to be an idiot but I want Amosandra even if she is not my original doll.
Thanks for your comment. The condition of Amosandra will determine her current value. I would say her price could range from a low of $30 to upwards in the low hundreds for a doll that is still in excellent condition with no deterioration. Good luck!
I have an Amosandra doll and she is in great shape. She was always one of two favorite dolls. We took many baths together (which of course meant many “diaper” changes! I am 62 and think I got her for my first or second birthday. Our family listened regularly to the Amos & Andy Show on the radio (along with Fibber McGee and Molly and many others) and I always called her Amosandra. I loved the sound of it!
My other favorite doll was Bonnie Braids. She is blonde and was the daughter of Dick Tracy. I had the rubber baby doll but heat got to her. I still have the walking Bonnie Braids and she too is in great shape. Does anyone else know anything about Bonnie Braids?
You are indeed lucky to have an Amosandra in great shape!!! I just checked eBay and a painted eye Amosandra in nice condition with no deterioration just sold for $281. Treasure your sweet baby and keep her in a climate controlled place. I also remember the Dick Tracy comic and always loved cute Bonny Braids. She was the baby daughter of Dick Tracy and Tess Trueheart manufactured by Ideal from 1951-1953. Her first version was a vinyl head and “magic skin” body which usually falls victim to temperature and time. Your “toddler” walker was the version from 1953. A vinyl head, plastic body with yellow painted hair, saran braids and sleep eyes. This toddler version also can as a non-walker. So nice to hear that you have some survivors!!
I’m assuming that a number of the people who have commented, like myself, are white. Yet, this doll has touched all of us. I also remember my Amosandra with great fondness and nostalgia, but she deteriorated in the dry Arizona climate and I lost her long ago. I probably received her as a gift in about 1950? I’m hoping that this sweet doll taught us all some tolerance because I never regarded her with condescension.
I have an Amosandra doll that I found recently while cleaning out
my Mother’s house.
She is in good condition—I played with her in the 40″s —my mother
thought it was cool to have a doll named Sandra and we loved Amos
and Andy!!!
Then my daughter played with her in the 60′s—I have many photos of
her with the doll in our NYC apartment.
I have grandsons (not interested!) so I would sell her.
My amosandra doll is one of my prized possessions. I got her for my third Christmas in 1951 and have a picture of me holding her. I loved my baby and carried her around all the time. Each night I put her to bed in the bottom drawer of my dresser. About a year later my mother gave her away (without telling me) to a family whose house burned down and their little girl lost all of her toys. More than 55 years later I still remember the paralyzing shock of finding my baby gone.
In about 1993 I was in an antique store following my husband around (I get bored real fast in antique stores and almost never go in) when I distinctly heard someone call out “Mama!” Sounds crazy, but I stopped, looked in the case I had just passed and on the bottom shelf of the glass case partly obscured was my baby. I knew it was her. Long story made short: The store owner was holding the doll for someone who had already purchased it but didn’t currently have a place for her. I was heart broken. When my mother found out she, my husband, and one of my nieces apparently got into a bidding war for the privilege of secretly buying her for me. The store owner contacted the woman who had just bought the doll and arranged a deal in exchange for letting my family buy her for me.
Each time I hold her I feel such joy. Unfortunately, deterioration has seriously effected her arms and now the head is starting to deteriorate. I would love to find some way preserving her. One thought I had was to try something like a rubber preservative for tires, etc. However, I’m concerned about the silicon. I may perhaps try it on a part of one arm that has all but rotted away. If it works I’ll pass it along.
What a nice story! Let us all know if you find an answer to the deterioration problem. It is so frustrating to see these doll disappearing right before our eyes. Thanks so much for your comment
I got one for my 5th B’day–Had her for years -Have been searching for 3years to find her………………..It was a special gift from just my dad………………If you are ever willing to sell…….let me know-or if you know someone who has one in this good of condidtion……Phone 920-992-3919……I would really love to have her….Thanks…jan
I picked Amosandra from the Christmas wish book when I was very small (1948 or 1950) and could not be coaxed to change my mind. She was my favorite doll and I loved her into my college years when she became so dry rotted I had to get rid of her. When I had my own daughter in the early 1970′s , my Mom and Sister found another at a garage sale in Nevada. I was so excited to have another Amosandra. But, the years again took their toll and she, too, dry rotted. I loved my Amosandra so much and wrapped her in blankets and changed her hundred and hundreds of time. She is a treasured memory!
Loved your story! You were lucky to have found one at a garage sale even if it was for a short time. My doll is wrapped up away from light and heat and she is still deteriorating at a fast rate. Soon they may all be extinct!!
To anyone wanting pictures.I have some great ones of my Amosandra and some of myself with her that are really cute.Also would be happy to post pictures of her birth certificate with the little black “footprint”and signed by the Dr.& nurse,of course! she also came with her hot water bottle,nursing bottle,and a blanket with her name on it.I absolutely love this doll still.It has been a rare treat for me to hear all of your comments.
Kathleen,
I would love to see your pics and I am sure others would also. Thanks for your comment.
I had one of these dolls as well. I have a photo of me in South Boston around 1950. My mother tells me that I picked her out of all the white dolls and refused to change my mind. My daughter just used that photo on the cover of the invitation to my 60th birthday party, and I discovered that two other people who are my friends also had these dolls!
Hi Wanda,
Thanks for your post. I would love to see the photo. Email it to me if you can. I guess lots of little girls could not resist that sweet face and the fact that she was “different” from most of us
Was so interesting to find this site and read about my first doll. The story goes that when I was very small—2 or 3— they took me to a store and told me I could pick out the doll I wanted. I always found it interesting that I picked a black baby for my first doll. I once laid her on my aunt’s cookstove and there was a round burn spot on the back of her head to remind me of that incident. I would so much like to still have that doll. I let one of my sons play with the doll when he was small and guess maybe that was when she got destroyed. I do have pictures of me holding the doll and also of my son holding the doll.
i would like to know if anyone knows how to keep the amosandra doll form deterioration. How to keep her rubber body form ruining.
Did you read my May 2008 article about the rubber deterioration? It has info on this unavoidable condition. Maybe someone else may know more. Thanks for your comment.
I also had an Amosandra doll, but to me her name was “Chochy”. I was told that she was my aunts doll from her childhood. I loved her so much, and played with her all the time and dressed her in Thumbelina’s dress since I had a small one. We lost her during a move and I wish that I could find another one. I never even knew her real name until I just recently saw her in a “Reminisce” magazine!
I had an Amosandra doll when I was little, probably in the early seventies. I don’t know where we got her, but she was my favorite baby doll. Her little fingers were starting to rot, but other than that, she was in great shape. I knew she was from the Amos and Andy show and that she was probably collectible, but to me, she was just my baby doll. She was stolen from a storage unit in Wichita, KS along with a few other old toys I had. I was around 11 or 12 at that time, which would have been in 1978-79. I’m now on the lookout for another one. Thanks for the nice memory! I had forgotten how cute she was.
Is she for sale?
I love you all! I saw Amosandra first on ebay. It was love at first sight and I didn’t know her monetary value. She went for far more than I could bid so after my recovery at her loss I knew if there was one, there was more. I googled her and found and bought another, not like her but the same markings. Disappointed I tried again and found my baby. Her head was bashed in it seemed, and a hole in the back the rest was ok. I took in the little stray, and with an intense operation consisting of a small nerf ball and some black electrical tape, I now have my beautiful Amosandra. She is not perfect, but the little impish look brings a smile to my lips and my heart every time I walk by her. She has a very prominent place in my home. I’m 73 and I never gave up my dolls or my love for them. I tell the children I’m not in my second childhood, I never made it out of my first one. I have 5 daughters and 3 sons, which only added to my collection. Some of my dolls have already found homes with them and their families at my death, and others will bless some poor children, perhaps in Honduras or some less fortunate area in our own country. To you of such fond memories, enjoy. I always told our children, we were making memories, and now we are thinking of putting them in in a book for the the late comers who weren’t here to help us enjoy.
25 March 2009
Janie,
My brother was given Amosandra for his first Christmas. He was 54 years old 4 July 2008. He died from colon cancer this November, but I have his doll. As I read the rubber deterioriation is bad. Both of her little legs have detatched from her body. The rubber has hardened. Is there anything that will soften the rubber enough that I could at least tape them back together so that she could sit up? I love this doll as she reminds me of our childhood. Thank you for your website.
I’m absolutely amazed to find so many of you here commenting in the same way that I feel about my little AMOSANDRA doll. I had several dolls including a BRIDE doll as big as me, a TONI doll, a BALLERINA doll, and others but this beautiful baby AMOSANDRA was my favorite. I had kept her well into being an adult and my mother allowed my neices to play with my dolls and AMOSANDRA was left out in the sun and melted. It broke my heart. I would love to have a replacement for her. One thing that interests me is that this was in the 1950′s for me and I am white and grew up in Louisiana and Texas. I am wondering how many others here that had AMOSANDRA were, also, white. It would be interesting to know the demographics on that. As well, I was a fan of the show, “AMOS AND ANDY,” and though I know some people today look at it as being racist it was one of the few black television shows and I was a huge fan of the black movies, too, as a little girl so it may be because of my being a fan of those movies and “AMOS AND ANDY” that I was first enamored of the AMOSANDRA doll but she began the favorite.
Thanks for the website and this little stroll down memory lane. I’m so thrilled to at least have a picture of AMOSANDRA now to look at. I’ve missed her so. Just writing that actually choked me up! Now, how crazy is that! Amazing what an effect a little cherubic baby doll made out of rubber can have!
I got my little Amosandra in 1951 when I was a year old.
I loved that doll. I took her on a boat trip to Michigan across
the big lake Michigan, and her and I watched people throw up over the
side of the ferry, and she only peed her pants. I used kleenex for her diapers
and sad to say didn’t feed her too much because I ran out of Kleenex.
I loved her so much and then I got a brand new baby brother who liked her
more and he kidnapped her and ripped her head off. I found her body,
but I missed her sweet face so much, her body just went the way of
broken toys.
Then I found her on the Internet and am looking on eBay for a replacement.
I have a picture of me and my brother with my Black Baby, someone told me that was her name, so that is what I called her,
before he ripped her apart, but the picture shows he clearly has
decided that the baby was his…
The sad part of this whole story is that the baby doll and my baby
brother are now both missing…He has gone the way of the homeless
wanderer and we have not seen him for 20 years…I can get another
Sweet Black Baby, but its ever so hard to find a missing brother,
even on eBay…..
Thank you for this site…..I never knew anything about my little black baby
until tonight and then found the picture of him and I and the baby doll.
M
I had an Amosandra,,my very very favorite doll. He was my present
as soon as he was available to be bought,,I think in ’52 . My mother
sat down with some red thread and crocheted him a lovely little
red jumper with white trim..
It was crocheted onto him so that it never had to be taken off.
When I was a mother, I got my dolls from home and Amosandra
and two other of my rubber baby dolls had deteriorated from
their age and their make up…I do not know what they were except they
were not supposed to last so long in West Texas heat and cold. I was so upset at seeing his little fingers and legs and hands and
feet collapsed that we went to the back yard and
put them each into shoebox caskets. We had a real funeral for them,
The neighbors came and I still cry over my little friend, Amosandra..
I am sixty one now and old enough to know better but since
I was virtually an only child…my dolls were my friends.
I love the pictures of yours.
Love him well.
mb
Wow, after all these years, I’ve finally found a ton of people who love Amosandra as much as I do. I happen to have a collection of Ruth E. Newton dolls and have 13, 4 of which are Sunbabe “SO WEE” -2 of which are jointed and 2 are not jointed.
For years I have kept them dressed and in an antique carriage. Six of eight are in good – excellent condition,with beautiful eyes and rosy cheeks. The 2 larger ones are a little dried and cracked; their faces fine. I’ve also kept those “silica gel packs” in the carriage so maybe that helps ward off deteioration. The 4 “SO WEE” babies are marked below the hairline at the back of the head. Under Ruth E. Newton it says New York,N.Y. Maybe these 4 aren’t the same rubber.
“Betty Bows” is my favorite, she is marked at base of head too.as well as on her back. She has beautiful rosy cheeks, red lips and a hole through a curl in the middle of her head which a have a ribbon tied in a bow that matches her dress. Her eyes are pale green.
A 9th Ruth E. Newton doll that I just retreived from my basement(she was stored in a big plastic garbage barrel) is Sunbabe “Babee-bee” She has a hard head but rubber body which to my dismay has cracked and shrivelled but is still beautiful. She’s been packed away for 11 years so I think it is best not to pack away those precious rubber baby dolls.
Now as for AmoSandra, I have 3. They too, until now have been stored away in my basement in a cardboard box. Two of the 3 heads are caved in in the back but faces are as beautiful as ever and with bonnets on you can hardly tell. One of them has an almost perfect body except it’s back is starting to shrivel. One body is fine except left arm is cracked & shrivelled and rt. fingers are curled. One of the 3 is missing a left arm and entire body is cracked and shrivelled.
I also have a Black Sun babe “SO-WEE, jointed in good – excellent condition. Finally, I have 1 last Sun Rubber “TOD-L-DEE” imprinted on left foot. She has brown eyes and a cute little t-shirt w/bow and ruffled panties, socks and shoes stamped into the rubber. She is in great condition. She stands 101/4 “.
In my rubber doll collection I also have a couple of dolls by The Edward Mobley Co. 1958 & 1959 MFG. by the Arrow Rubber & Plastic Corp. Both dolls have white socks and sandles painted on; one has an adorable dark pink dress w/lace collar, necklace and doll in her hand; the other has just bright pink panties painted on and stamped into the rubber. I love these two as well because of their dress and panties. I must say they both have a possessed look in their eyes – maybe scared look.
I think I may be willing to sell my AmoSandra dolls . I would entertain offers.
Thanks for your post. What a nice collection you have! I have seen many of the dolls that you mention and I would say that the company must have changed the rubber product because the other dolls remain in good condition. I have had SoWee. She is a cutie and doesn’t suffer from the dreaded disease!! Thanks again.
I have an amosandra doll never used in the original box with the accessories. My grandmother collected dolls..We just discovered it a week ago. It has a birth card showing the mother and father’s name = in tact in the box never taken out. the dolls seems in good condition but the accessories seems worn..where would i find out the value for this?
I still have my SoWee baby, her name is Nee-Na, I am 62 yrs old and I love my baby doll. My mom got her for me when I was 6. Nee-Na is now suffering from rubber rot on her forehead, it breaks my heart to see her in that condition and I cant do anything to stop it. She brings back so many happy memories.
I can never understand why they stopped making pretty dolls, now they all look like harlots, what a shame. those of us who were lucky enough to get an Amosandra, were surely blessed. Thank you.
It was 1969, Atlanta, Georgia I was 3 years old and carrying my mother’s Amosandra doll in the Grocery store. Some Ol’ Bitty appalled that a little white girl was carrying a black baby doll slithers up to me and sweetly ask me what my baby’s name was while cuttin her eyes at my very young mother. In a voice that only a three year old can posses I practically scream “BLACK BABY” which of course got my mother’s attention!
“Black Baby” was purchased for my mom in approximatly 1954 or 55 and was her favorite doll. My grandmother kept her and took good care of her and she became my favorite doll. I loved her up so much that the painted hair was practically all rubbed off!
Amosandra brings back sooo many happy memories!
I have an Amosandra doll and had questions about the date of it. I was told that mine may be a second issuing as her head only says Amosandra , Columbia Broadcasting System and it is not written on her back like the original 1st issue. (there is other info on her back) She does have the painted eyes and pose-able arms and legs.
Can anyone shed some light on this for me or direct me to a site that would explain the different issues???
Thanks
I too am the proud mother of an Amosandra doll. I did not know she came from the radio show (which I did listen to). My baby was named Tiny. I never knew anyone else who had one. She was my one and only baby doll. I am 62 and still have her tucked away. Her fingers have rotted off, and her skin is cracked, but her sweet face is still there.
So glad to hear stories of my favorite doll ! I was about 3 when I got my “Polly” and I took her everywhere with me. My mom even accompanied us on a train trip from Chicago to LA. Polly was with me every minute. Believe it or not, I can still remember showing her to the people on the long train ride! I’ll bet the lady who created her couldn’t ever in her wildest imagination realize how many people would love this doll so much. I’m 62 and wish I could have another little baby doll like her. Mine dissintegrated as well, and I kept her head for a long time, hoping to find a body. I wish somebody would make more of them. Is that possible?
In the mid-fifties, around Christmas-time, my mother found this little doll in a thrift store for a few cents and presented her to me when I was about 4 years old. She was the most beloved little dollie in my collection of thrift store dolls…that’s all we could afford at the time. As I was playing with my new baby on the front porch, a little girl from down the street came onto the porch and wanted to see my doll. I wouldn’t share her because this little girl left her dolls lying naked in the street with ink scribbled all over them. My baby meant more to me than that! Needless to say, she reacted by calling me an “N”- Lover! I had no idea what had just been said to me, but, through my profuse crying at the cruel pain of it, my parents used the opportunity to teach me to love all the souls Christ died for, and made me promised to never use those cruel words. My baby and I did a lot of growing up that day! One day my baby was taking a nap on the lawn while I was swinging and my mom was mowing the grass. My baby lost her arm to the lawn mower and I think my mom cried as much as me. We wrapped her arm and tried to save her, but she eventually deteriorated, but never from my heart. I too hope they will bring this baby back for today’s children, old and young, to learn the true lessons of love and tolerence.
Elaine,
Thank you so very much for a wonderful Christmas story. It gave me “goose bumps” as I read it. I hope all other Amosandra lovers will enjoy it as much as I did. The love for this little doll continues to amaze me! Thanks again for your visit and your comment. Merry Christmas to all!!
Hallo,
auch ich besitze eine der niedlichen Puppen. Unser kleines Gummibäbi ist nun leider so defekt, dass ich kaum Hoffnung auf eine Reparatur habe. Der linke Arm der Puppe ist abgebrochen, alle Fingerchen angeknabbert, an einem Beinchen ist das Material sehr brüchig und wird demnächst zerbrösseln und der ganze Körper ist so stark ausgetrocknet, dass das Püppchen wohl demnächst
in viele Teile zerfallen wird. Kann bei Ihnen eine solche Puppe gekaut werden?
Am Hinterkopf steht die Bezeichnung:
AMoSAndRA
BROADCASTING
Auf dem Rücken steht:
Designed by Ruht E. Newton
MFD.BY
THE SUN RUBBER CO
BARBERTON O:U:S A
PAT. 2118682 und
PAY. 2160733
Auf eine Antwort warte ich gespannt und verbleibe mit herzlichen Grüssen
Antoinette Schweickhardt
I received my Amosandra for my 1st birthday in 1949. Between my younger sister and I we had many dolls. I was never into dolls but my sister played with all except my Amosandra. While I do not remember playing with Amosandra she was my doll and always on-display on my pillow. When I was around 13, my five-year-old niece Kathleen took my Amosandra and I never ever saw her again. I never let my older Sister forget that her daughter took the only doll I ever loved. My Sister spent the next 25 years trying to find a replacement but because Amosandra was made of rubber it was determined that they were all destroyed over time. When I was in my early fifties, my Sister presented my Granddaughter with a black porcelain doll she named Amosandra.
I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes, reading all of the comments by all these women about my age (I’m 61). Amosandra was my very favorite doll as well. When I was about 3, my Mom was trying to get me to stop sucking my thumb. I had seen an Amosandra and wanted one. She promised her to me if I would quit sucking my thumb. I priomised, of course, but at bedtime, my thumb found its way its way into my mouth. My Mom sneaked the doll away and said she couldn’t stay because I broke my promise and was sucking my thumb. I cried and promised never to suck my thumb again. Magically, Amosandra came back, and true to my word, I never sucked my thumb again. Sadly, my dear doll deteriorated and I too would love to find another.
I received a bonny braids doll for my 6th birthday. i remember holding it at my party and i was thrilled. a film was taken at my party of me holding her. Sadly to say the aunt I lived with took her the next morning and shipped her to Italy. she sat me down and told me my cousins had no dolls and needed her more than me. But oddly, I had no dolls either. she was the first doll. I never saw her again. All I had left was the movie of me holding her which I watched over and over again. I searched years for her and when Ebay came about, she was found and she is my treasure. thus started my doll collecting. When I found Amosandra , I knew she had to be the cutest doll ever! I am an avid collector. Some are in great shape, some are not but they are all loved. If their arms are melted, I put them in a one piece tog. you would never know. and they are proudly displayed in a china cabinet (in my dining room) and i must say when I need a smile, I just have to look over at those cuties. Since I have had many of my Amosandra for over ten years, I must say they never deteriorated any further. To keep these dolls from falling apart. do not soak them in water to wash them. water will destroy them. Just use a slightly damp cloth to clean them and wipe dry asap. I also heard that any type of oil or petroleum jelly is not good for these dolls and in time will break them down. The best thing to do is keep them in a glass cabinet in a cool dry place (away from the sun) . never lay them down as there soft head will get dents. To avoid this, stuff her head with cotton or old kapok doll stuffing. This will help keep her shape. If your doll still has the crying whistle in her, it will still work even with the stuffing. Just make sure you do not store her away. She is too darn cute to be thrown in a box some where and forgotten.
Fran
I grew up with Amosandra. She was my favorite doll. I am now 65 years old and am in search of my childhood friend. Ebay has one for sale but wants $225.00 for it. just can’t swing that much .
I received my Amosandra as a gift when my Dad came to pick me up at my Grandmother’s after my sister was born in 1950. I loved to listen to Amos and Andy on the radio and thought I had really hit the jackpot with my new babydoll. We were best friends for many years and survived many adventure. A few years ago I found her squashed to death in my mother’s closet. Oh the sweet memories! I recently posted a photo of her with me on my facebook page.
Hi. I have an Amosandra baby doll I would like to sell. She is not perfect, but not too bad. Her eyes have faded a lot, almost all paint is gone. Her body is pretty good, with an indentation where the rubber is sunk in, but no tears or splits. I think one finger may have the tip broke off. Other than that she is pretty good shape. I will accept a reasonable offer. If intersted please email me. at australian4you@yahoo.com. thanks, pat I am in Wisconsin.
When I was 4 my mom found a used Amosandra baby doll at a garage sale for 25 cents. I loved that doll. I would take her everywhere. When my daughter was 3 I gave her the same doll, not realizing how rare or fragile she was. Now that I am 40 some nostalgia is hitting me, and I am trying to find a replacement. I would love to be able to find a my childhood best friend.
I was given my Amosandra doll from my mother’s younger sister. She had received it in the late 1940′s I’m assuming. I was born in 1965 and had gotten used toys from this Aunt and 2 older sisters. I don’t remember a time when Amosandra didn’t live at my house. She was the most beautiful baby. I played with her constantly, fed her and changed her diaper. I didn’t know how rare she was, i just loved her. In my 20′s I brought her out for my daughter, and the rubber was bad…the back of her head, arms and legs. I could not save her. I was so sad. I would love to find another.
Hello,
I have a doll that is similar to the doll pictured above and is in good condition. It is stamped Sun Rubber Co. 1957, she is not jointed and her eyes are smaller. I can’t seem to find one like her anywhere on the internet!
Any information would be appreciated, thank you.
I too have fond memories of my Amosandra doll and would love to add one to my collection now. At the time I had my doll I didn’t connect her to the TV show. When I was about 12 years old, my grandmother encouraged me to give away my dolls to a younger little girl. I didn’t know how to say NO! so Amossndra and a white compositin doll named “Nancy” my favorites, were lost to me.
Mom and Dad told me this story many times as a child. I was taken to a local doll store to choose a doll for my forth birthday. I wanted the amosandra doll and called her by name too. She was Lila from the first moment I saw her. I named her after a woman living in a house next door to us. She and her family lived in a second floor apartment across from us. I was tall enough to reach the window and would yell to her often to ask her to go outside and play with me. She would go out with Mom and I and it apparently made a huge impression on me. Her name was Lila Terry. I often gave my little doll hugs, rocked her to sleep and feed her water. I changed her diaper made out of a cloth hankie held by a saftey pin. I have such wonderful memories of “my” Lila. She unfortunately did not withstand time and in my late teens I brought her out to show Lila I still had the doll named after her. I finally had to leave her go but as you see I still miss her.
I also had this doll as a small child and played with it forever. It was my favorite. This doll was eventually made several ways and was also a “white baby” as I assume the country at the time called for it. I had seen many adeptations of it online several years ago but not lately.
My doll also has deterioration due to the materials but just felt like a real baby to a little girl. If ony they could reproduce them today I would buy an other as there is not any form of restoration that I know of and I have tried. I had family in Stl Louis and heard of the baby on the radio through my grandparents but I was born in 1951 so did not hear the radio first hand that I know of. My sister had Sunny Tears also of the Sun Rubber Company collection of dolls. She has faired better and my sister still has her and loves her. It is a doll I wish I could have passed on. I miss her but have the memories.
My cousin who came to visit when I was about 4 years old refused to let me touch her Amosandra doll. I was so enamored with the doll that my parents later bought one for me. I lovingly called her Nig, cherishing that doll for many years and even carting it off to college with me. My dad use to leave notes with the doll as if she was talking to me. One time Nig was kneeling by my bed with a note, “Please God help Darlene to keep a neater room”. Or another time when I went away to camp Nig was sitting in a circle on my bed with my stuffed animals. The note read, “We all took a vote and are so glad you are home”. Yes, that doll was so special to me. Of course after many years it sadly deteriorated.
OMG!!! I have been looking in every garage sale, antique shows for ever, looking for my baby doll. OMG. here she is. Of course I never knew her name. I was born in 1944 and she was given to me by my dad very early in my life. To this day she was and still is alive to me. Where can I get her?? Just even to see this picture has made me so very excited and sad at the same time..I still love her today…