Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Doll |
Catalog Number |
2008.6 |
Date |
ca. 1910 |
Material(s) |
Wood/Glass/Plaster of paris/Cotton/Leather/Paint |
Dimensions |
H-29 W-11 D-6.5 inches |
Description |
This doll named "Jimmy" by its original owners is dressed in a WWI uniform. Part a) is the doll itself, which is made of plaster of Paris (or other composite material) at the head and hands. The head and hands are painted and have glass eyes with filaments inside. The doll has molded and painted hair, an open mouth with teeth showing and has a body constructed of wood shavings with cotton coverings over it and stitched to body. The doll is wearing a WWI style khaki uniform stitched and pinned to body. The uniform includes cotton canvas shirt, trousers, belt and puttees, and brown leather boots. The leather boots have steel grommets with laces. Part b) is the doll's hat which is a cotton canvas cap with a cotton canvas bill. The cap is khaki colored and has an interior lining of netting. |
Notes |
This doll known to the family as "Jimmy", was won at a Cynthiana, KY carnival in 1910 by twelve year old LeRoy Hampton (Hammy) Bland. Born to William H Bland and Lillian Dye Bland, Hammy was the youngest boy out of three in the family. The other boys were Clyde and Charles. During WWI, all three sons went off to war. At this time, Lillie replaced the original clothing on the doll with the WWI uniform on him today. The doll stayed with Lillie until she moved into a nursing home and then it passed to the donor (Lillie's only grandchild) Lucia Bland Lister. All three brothers (young at the time of WWI) also registered for the draft in WWII. They were all alive after WWII but service records need more reserach. It looks like Clyde and Charles were drafted in 1942 and so may has served. Unclear if Leroy saw service in WWII. Clyde and Charles married, but Leroy never did. The Jimmy Doll was entered in the Sir Walter Raleigh Doll Show for several years by Lucia Bland Lister. The doll won a second place ribbon (red) in 1968 for being "the most unusual doll," a third place ribbon (yellow) in 1971 in the "adult antique doll" category, and the "First Place in Show" ribbon (blue) in 1972. |
Collection |
Lucia Bland Lister Collection |
People |
Bland, LeRoy Hampton Bland, Lillie Mae Dye |
Subjects |
Toys Dolls Fairs |
Search Terms |
World War I Cynthiana (Ky.) World War, 1914-1918 |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |