125 Years of Prairie Dolls

The Magic Slippers Doll Club, consisting of members from the greater Aberdeen area, were guest contributors to the exhibit: “125 Years of Prairie Dolls”.

Nine members of the Doll Club have generously loaned their treasures to the Dacotah Prairie Museum for this exhibit being held in conjunction with the Quasquicentennial of Aberdeen. They are: Cindy Haglund, Betty Jensen, Julie M. Krieger, Willa Beitelspacher, Mary Ann Clark, Barbara Hunstad, Mae Kocabinski,  Darla Larsen, and Jan Weber. Dolls representing  every era in the 125 years of Aberdeen graced the Museum, both on the 2nd Floor in cases and in almost every existing display on both floors.

John Deere Dolls and Buddy Lee Dolls {originally made in the 1940s to advertise Lee Jeans} are included in the Tool Shed display. A Laura Ingalls doll {representing the character in the famous children’s books} and handmade corn husk dolls, even a china doll with an antique cast-iron stove inhabit the Turn-of-the-Century Kitchen exhibit.

The original GI Joe doll, “Iwo Jima Dolls” raising the American flag, and one entitled “For Love of Country” are new additions to the Pheasant Canteen exhibit. Victorian ladies, children and babies fill both the 1st and 2nd floor parlors. The “Faith in Brown County” exhibit is hosting seven bride dolls ranging from one dressed in a 1870’s replica wedding dress to the porcelain image of Princess Diana, complete with scale length train and veil. Flower girls, a ring bearer, and christening babies set the scene in this exhibit.

The  General Store exhibit boasts of lovely turn of the century dolls to delight any shopper and the lady mannequin in the display is also holding a porcelain, life-size “baby” from the Club. In the 2nd floor landing area, vintage Barbies, 3 foot tall Barbies, Cabbage Patch dolls, and Strawberry Shortcake and friends bring a little more modern flair to the collection. Classics such as “Kathy Doll” and “Baby Alive” could eat, drink, wet, and burp. Sonny and Cher, Marie and Donny Osmond dolls along with Louis Armstrong, Liberace and Babe Ruth represent the entertainment field. Raggedy Ann in her Anniversary Edition celebrates her 85th  year of bringing smiles.

To view other past exhibits, click here.