How thrilled I was when I found
some great fashion issues. There is an excellent article titled, “Paper Trail –
In a digital age, John Whiting buys and sells a fading past” and can be read at
http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/paper-trail/Content?oid=1442626 
So check
this out to read about not only paper preservation but the preservation of your
memories that perhaps got a start by some picture or article you read in a magazine
that inspired you, encouraged you, and helped you make some of your wishes come
true.
Back to Wednesday
Wishes. My daughter Tiffeni always loved paper dolls. She, too, had a quest to
replace some of her beloved paper dolls that she lost and by doing online
research found this site: http://www.opdag.com/convention.html I
didn’t even know that such a group existed. So Tiffeni and I went to the
Four Points Sheraton in Richmond to attend a Paper Doll Convention.
We couldn’t
believe our eyes! Table and tables of paper dolls, books on paper dolls,
workshops and special exhibits were held in two large rooms of the hotel.
Though I was not looking for any paper doll, for I already had in my museum a
reproduction of the paper dolls I played most with; The Lennon Sisters. I was
raised watching The Lawrence Welk show and watched and listened to these
sisters sing, what they wore, how they acted. I played with these paper dolls
and couldn’t wait until the next new book came out. When I was younger I played
with Betsy McCall. At first my mother cut them out for me and later as I got
use to handling a small scissor, I cut them out myself and even glued them to
cardboard so I could make them stand up. Little did I know that some 20 years
later, my daughter would not only be playing with Betsey but preserving her as
well. 
As Tiffeni
perused the tables, I meandered through the aisles of tables, talking with the
vendors and getting impressed by the minute on how passionate they were about
these paper creations. From famous movie stars, to high fashion designers, and
a plethora of dolls for children of all ages. Even the familiar scent of old
paper waffled through the room was enchanting. When I found a Bobbsey Twin
Paper Doll book, I asked the dealer if he knew the names of the twins because
that question is always asked in crossword puzzles. He laughed and said he
didn’t know. A few tables away, I asked that same question and the lady laughed
and said she had heard that someone was asking that question – boy, did that
travel fast – and when I told her it was me, she said she didn’t know either
but would look it up on her iPhone. Just then a fine gentlemen approached the
table and she asked him and he said of course he knew. Their names were Bert
& Nan. WOW! I finally knew and wrote it down so next time it is ask on a
crossword, I will have the answer. My goodness, the things you learn at a paper
doll convention! 
When Tiffeni
caught up to me, she had a pile of books and a big smile on her face. “Look
Mom! I found them! Lettie Lane, Dolly Dingle and her favorite, The Grahams.” I
was so happy that she found these dolls she had lost years ago and though they
will not be played with, they will reside on her side of the family museum, and
she feels fortunate that her wishes were granted.
Paper Dolls
have been played with for generations, creating many hours of imaginative play
for both boys and girls. Why don’t kids play with them today? A few years back,
Tiffeni and I had a small toy store. The recession of 2008 forced us to close,
but we have fond memories and made many friends the years we were opened. One
of the toys we offered were paper dolls. One day I watched a little girl take a
book off the shelf, sit down and look through the pages. She seemed perplexed,
so I asked her if she had any questions. “Yes. What are these?” This particular
paper doll was of a ballerina with beautiful costumes from famous ballets.
After I explained it to her, she pointed to the tabs and asked what were they
for? I told her when you cut out the dress you keep the tabs attached and use
them to secure the dress onto the doll. Then she asked, “How do you play with
them?” I could sadly see that she was never introduced to this wonderful art
and play and my thought was confirmed when her mother boldly told her to put it
away. She didn’t need a paper doll. Sure, that could be true, but how much is
she missing by not trying out her imagination and even sadder - her mom
missed so much by not getting the doll for her and opening a new world of
imagination. 
My Wednesday Wish is to bring back the paper
doll.
Next Post: Thursday Toys
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