DOLL COLLECTOR GALLERY

PAPPY'S DOLL

submitted by Carlene Fogle, Dallastown, PA;  carlenerf@msn.com

Attached is a doll that I call "Pappy's doll".  I think it is suppposed to be Elly Mae Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies.  Anyway, here's the story.  My grandfather (Pappy) lived in a small house behind my home with my Uncle.  As a child, every morning (in the summer) I would walk up the walk to spend time with him and have breakfast.  We were sitting at the table and I saw this doll on the back of the Shredded Wheat box.  I told Pappy how much I wanted her.  He was a very deliberate man and bluntly told me, "If you want me to send for her (You needed so many boxtops), then you better start eating!!!  He ate that dreaded Shredded Wheat every morning.  So I complied and remember for days eating it, practically gagging as I finished the bowl of cereal.  But I wanted this doll so bad and that was my only means of getting her. Pappy & I were very close, but he was always one to teach a lesson.  It was a wonderful lesson as I look back on it.  If you want something bad enough, you have to work & sacrifice for it.  I remember taking the letter with the boxtops to the mailbox and waiting for the mail daily for her to come.  At 7 years old, I didn't quite get the 4-6 weeks thing!!!   Anyway, the day finally came and she arrived.  As you can see, she was admired and I was never allowed to comb any of my dolls hair or "mess them up".  I have 18 original Barbies with the boxes that have never had their hair combed, cut or touched!!!  I played with them all and have fond memories.  I was an only child so they were all like family to me.  I love and still have all my dolls, all the vintage outfits with most of the accessories.  But the doll that is most special to me is "Pappy's doll".  Pappy died when I was 8 years old (That was 1961) but our mornings together will be with me forever.   Thank you for letting me share this story.  

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