PAPER DOLLS TODAY & YESTERDAY

Recently I saw a notation that Paper Dolls are making a comeback. Then I recalled the many delightful hours my sister and I enjoyed playing with paper dolls when we were growing up. There were dolls made commercially, which we cut from, purchased booklets and those we created ourselves from the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs.

The commercially made ones were printed in booklets and ready to cut or punch out. The dolls were printed one heavier stock paper and the numerous articles of clothing appeared on lighter stock. Often the dolls were movie stars or storybook characters.

When we played with them, we made up activities in which they participated and wore their numerous changes of clothes or costumes. These dresses, gowns, skirts, blouses, slacks and coats had tabs at the shoulders and sides, which we folded over the doll so the outfit would stay in place.

Making Paper Dolls

Even though the paper doll booklets might cost 25 cents, it often was money we didn’t have or Mother needed toward food. So Sister and I made out own paper dolls from magazines and catalogs.

Our parents did much of their purchasing from the Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward mail-order catalogs. When one was outdated, we could use it for arts and crafts. Sister and I cut out men, women and children. We selected clothing and cut these items out, putting tabs on them so they would stay on our “people.”

Then we played house with them, gave them names and made up adventures for them. From the catalogs we also could find furniture, kitchen utensils, etc.

If we were really creative, we might draw our own people and clothing. Then we might make stages for them, with backdrops and more.

Today’s Paper Dolls

Collectors seek these old doll books today. Also, I saw that paper dolls could be found online. There are sites where you can print off the dolls, their clothing and accessories. You can find print-offs for coloring the dolls and their clothing. However, I don’t see many little girls playing with them as Pauline and I did. Maybe I’ll have to introduce my great granddaughter and great grand nieces to this activity.

CORNED BEEF BURGERS – Mother used canned corned beef for hash and in numerous other ways. It was economical in those days and easy to prepare. However, she never made burgers with it.

Flake 1 can corned beef with a fork. Crumble 1 slice bread in to soft crumbs and add to the meat with 1 slightly beaten egg. Mix well and shape into four uniform patties.

Brown these “burgers” in pan with butter, margarine or pan spray. When lightly browned, turn and brown on other side until burger is heated through. Serve at once on warmed or toasted hamburger buns.

Serve with pickle sticks and tomato slices, mustard and catsup. You also can add a slice of cheese to the “burger.”

(Mary Emma Allen researches and writes from her woodland NH home.)

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