Dollhouses From the Past

As I may not be able to find the time to give you a Thanksgiving/November DIY project I thought over the next few days I would share some of my collection of vintage, Dollhouse related, ephemera.  These are bits and pieces I have gleaned from many sources over the years. 

For some of you they may answer questions and for others they may lead to asking questions.  If you have any information or stories or photos concerning these or similar items please share & if possible I will add them here.  

 joanndiydollhouseminiatures@gmail.com

Enjoy,

Joann (who  is now going to try to ready the house for an extended visit from family, which includes a much-loved but very vivacious, soon-to-be three year old…wish me luck, lol ).

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McCALL'S NEEDLEWORK & CRAFT MAGAZINE
FALL-WINTER 1951-1952

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SEARS GIFT CATALOG 1976

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1930 AD FOR TOOTSIETOY HOUSE

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1936 SEARS ROEBUCK CATALOG

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ADS FROM CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 1941
(Click on images to enlarge)

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AMERICAN HOME PROJECTS

1948

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FROM A HARPER'S BAZAR MAGAZINE

EARLY 1900'S

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1947 HAPPI-TIME DOLLHOUSE WITH RENWAL FURNITURE.

 

Anne Green sent me the following story and photos:

“When I was growing up in the 50's I received a used cardboard dollhouse from some neighbor girls who had "outgrown" it.  It was fully furnished with Renwal furniture plus cardboard pieces that I had always thought came with the house (have never seen reference to them so I don't know for sure.)  I spent countless hours rearranging the furniture.  I loved that dollhouse.  Eventually I too grew up and my mother gave ALL of my dolls and other toys away when I went off to college.

In July 2007 at age 63 I decided I needed another dollhouse - and the rest is history.   My heart almost stopped when I found MY dollhouse being offered with the auction closing in only a few hours.  Soon it was mine, all mine, - I absolutely HAD to have that dollhouse.

The cardboard house wasn't in too bad of a condition although it had been well-loved.  I like the fact that it shows signs of wear (don't we all?).  I did need to re-glue all of the tabs - all of the layers of cardboard had separated over the years - so now they are sturdy and easy to slip into the slots.  There are other parts that could be repaired but I don't think I will do that as the house seems sturdy enough - plastic furniture weighs almost nothing and puts no strain on the cardboard.

I've had so much fun shopping for the Renwal pieces I remember having.  I don't have all of the pieces I'd like to have but  eventually I'll find everything I want for the right price.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying my Happi Time dollhouse.  Every time I catch sight of it I get a pang of pure joy and happiness.  I'm immediately transported back to being a little girl playing with that dollhouse.

 Fondly,

Anne

www.gsolfot.com

Ad in 1947 Sear's catalog.

Thank you Ann, sharing is the heart of the mniature hobby, don't you think?

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From Woman's World Magazine 1932

Click on images to enlarge
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From 1947 A. Neely Hall Craft Patterns

Home Ideas Book

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This is a folder and large insert that I picked up at an antique store.  It is from the 40's or 50's.

You may click on image to enlarge

You may click on image to enlarge

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This is from THE AMERICAN HOME magazine
November, 1948

Click on images to enlarge

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