"Suzie D" by Annette Rogers Stensland
12/28/98
Several years ago, I thought it might be an intriguing project to design and make a rag doll and clothes to celebrate the 20th century in the United States. Along with that, I wrote historic stories for each decade that would accompany the doll and clothing.
I've enjoyed American history since I was 10, when I was introduced to it in school. Thus, the 6-10 aged girl was my focus as an audience for my project. That's also the age range when I most enjoyed dolls, and changing their clothes was part of the fun. I drew from that when I made doll clothes for my daughters some years ago, and I made changes in the patterns to make the clothes look more like what the girls were wearing at the time. I've now done that with the clothes for this "20th Century" doll.
I wrote the stories for their historical outlook, but rather than a dry, textbook approach, I also wanted to share events that were a part of daily life for most people. The history is also depicted in the art that is being done by my sister, Charlotte. Though both of us have gone through numerous history books for our research, we have also used stories from family members about the decade when they were children.
This brings me to mention that families are an integral part of the stories as well. The doll is passed down through girls in two branches of a family. Those branches start with the mother and the aunt of the first little girl. As the girls grow up, they are again mentioned in the stories to show a continuity of family.
My own family has been incredibly supportive with this project and it would take too long to mention all of their names and the talents they have contributed to this project.. Many friends have also been involved and, again, too many to mention in brief.
When I called Suzie D a project of love, it has proven true all the way along. My deepest gratitude goes out to all these people. I will mention two experiences because they relate to the name I used for the doll and the name I decided on for the company that is producing Suzie D and her stories.
I used the name, Suzie, for the doll because that was the name of a lovable doll that my daughters played with at one time or another. My son even took a passing interest in it in his pre-school years. As to the names of the girls in the stories, they are all a tribute to family and special friends in my life.
When my father first read all the stories, he commented that I should name the doll, Miss Perennial, because she goes "on and on". My youngest daughter said she thought I should add Joy to the name because she thinks that Joy is something everyone should have in their life. I liked both names because I believe in lasting beauty and the true joy that comes from caring. It just seemed right to name the company that produces Suzie D, "Perennial Joy".
Now, it is time to offer "Suzie D" to others, and I very much thank my oldest daughter for designing a web site as one of the means for taking Suzie D to other people. Also to my son and his wife for all the business expertise that they have shared with me. It is my hope that the doll and her stories will bring as much lasting enjoyment as I've had creating them.
