Twentieth Century Club discusses paper dolls

Submitted by Lana Sue Jones          

The Twentieth Century Club met on April 15 at the home of our hostess Sherry Wiseman with Sue Jones serving as co-hostess. The meeting was called to order by president, Glenda Ware. Minutes were read and approved and the treasurer report was given. Sherry Wiseman presented the opinion on the return policy of companies and stores. She returned an item and received the full price and shipping amount back. Returned items are not put back on the shelf but dumped or sent to discount stores. There are 10,000 returns a day. It costs companies more money on returns sent back so they don’t want anything returned.

The program was given by Glenda Ware on paper dolls. In 900 A.D. Japan had Doll Day and had origami figures in a religious ceremony. In 1300 A.D. the Chinese had paper figures mounted on sticks. Modern paper dolls originated in the late 1800s in France. The first commercial doll was named Little Fanny and two years later Little Henry was introduced. In later years magazines like McCall’s included paper dolls in each issue. Girls cut out people from Sear’s and Ward’s catalogs for paper dolls. The most popular dolls purchased were actors, actress, and president’s wives. In 1960 the Barbie paper dolls appeared. One favorite item of little girls was her paper dolls.    

Our May 15 meeting was a luncheon at the Rustic Duck in Appleton City. Beside having lunch the group viewed the art work and antiques on display. We got to enjoy the beautiful surroundings that were around the restaurant.