Jane is trying to find information on her dollhouse that she received in the middle to late 1960s. Specifically, she would like to know the name of the company that produced this lovely large dollhouse. It is made of Masonite with plastic windows and stairs.
It has 5 large rooms and an entry hall that houses the stairs. It looks like a great dollhouse to play with....for both little and big girls!
This is the second time I have been contacted about identifying the maker of this particular model dollhouse. Several years ago I was contacted by Julie, but as far as I remember I was unable to help. Here are pictures of Julie's house.
We know two people have this lovely dollhouse....there are bound to be more houses that survived through the years.
If you can identify the company that produced this wonderful dollhouse, please leave a comment below or feel free to contact me at florinebettge@comcast.net. Or, if you have this same dollhouse but don't know the maker, feel free to send me a picture and I will be happy to post them on this blog. I am hoping someone will be able to tell us more about this special dollhouse!
Update: Thanks to Troy Bettridge for letting us know that he posted about this model dollhouse in 2011 after seeing it in the Smithsonian Institute in a display of Toys of the White House Children. The dolllhouse Troy saw belonged to Amy Carter, daughter of President Jimmy Carter.
Searching further, I found an article in Rebecca's Collections blog explaining that this model dollhouse was made from a "Craft Patterns Doll House Packet" designed by prolific dollhouse designer Albert Neely Hall. The pattern was first printed in 1958, with later patterns that included the house, breezeway and a garage. The craft pattern included the brick paper, paper to cover the shutters, and plastic windows.
Information was also included that this pattern can often be found on Ebay! Thanks to Troy for sharing his information!
I posted about a house just like this a while back:
ReplyDeletehttps://tulsatinystuff.blogspot.com/2011/04/smithsonian-miniature-finds.html
It belonged to Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy and is located in the Smithsonian. Although it doesnt help with the manufacturer, its nice to know there are others around.
Thanks Troy! Jane said she received her dollhouse in the late 1960s, so it sounds like it was popular and around for a good while. I will share your info with Jane and maybe we can discover who made Amy Carter's dollhouse. Cheers! Floirne
DeleteHer Father!
DeleteGot that right! Thanks for the smiles on this dreary November day!
DeletePeggy Whitt a mennonite lady made the dollhouse.
ReplyDeleteI just bought this exact doll house at a thrift shop! I’ve been trying to find out how old it is and where it’s from
ReplyDeleteNow you know it was made from a 1958 pattern from designer Albert Neely Hall. It looks like a wonderfull house for a little or big girl. Do you plan to paint or wallpaper? Have you chosen the furniture you want to fill the rooms with? It is always fun to start on a new dollhouse project. Have fun! Cheers! Florine
DeleteI also have this dollhouse. In the early 1960's when I was young, my mother purchased it from a neighbor who made it and was moving. I played with it as a child and refurbished it as a hobby in my 20's. Still have it. Approximately 2001 I visited DC and almost fell over when I saw Amy Carter's on display. I had previously assumed my neighbor designed it, but when I saw Amy's, I realized it must have been a pattern. It's interesting to learn who designed the pattern.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to still have your childhood dollhouse! Wondering how many other little girls played with this model dollhouse over the years. I would love to share a picture of your house with this post if you are willing. If you choose, send it to me at florinebettge@comcast.net. Send as many pics as you like! Cheers!
DeleteMy husband made this house from a pattern. But he added extra things including electric ligts. My nieces and nephews played with it when they came on New Years Eve. When I went to the den on New Years morning one of my nephews had the little boy walking down the stairs. I thought that was so clever. After my husband passed I gave it to my great-niece. When her kids outgrew it she gave it to a friend of another niece. She wanted to know if there was any more info.
DeleteRebecca's Collections published an article on your dollhouse and others designed by A. Neely Hall in her post https://rebeccascollections.blogspot.com/2010/10/little-bit-of-illinois-in-every-state.html that might share more information. Hall produced quite a few dollhouse designs, and dollhouses built by his plans are often found for sale on Ebay and Etsy. It's great to know that the dollhouse has passed thru many little hands over the years. I smiled when I read that your nephew placed a little boy doll walking down the stairs....dollhouses are not just for little girls! Cheers!
Delete