Blogger: Mary Keeley
Location: Books & Such, Midwest Office IL
Yes, Debbie is a doll, and I was probably seven or eight the Christmas she was under the tree waiting for me. She wasn’t a baby doll, but a “grown-up” doll—a predecessor of Barbie but definitely more conservative in dress and physical appearance. I wish the Mary Hoyer doll line would return to popularity.
My husband, Brian, just retrieved Debbie’s red, fake snakeskin-covered doll trunk from the downstairs storeroom (sorry, no nostalgic attic). I had remembered the stamps with pictures of exotic, faraway places all over the sides. As I wiped the dust from Debbie’s travel trunk, nostalgia-filled memories flowed.
I haven’t seen Debbie for years, but memories of the hours I spent playing with her fill my mind. Opening the trunk, there she is. I had visualized her being in perfect condition, but the doll facing me reveals the wear of much loving attention, which actually makes her more appealing to me.
On the other side of the trunk is her wardrobe. Debbie is ready for anything. There is a plaid daytime dress with matching jacket, a dark blue taffeta dinner dress with a fur stole, a ballet tutu and matching sequined satin top, a long sequined evening gown with fur jacket, lingerie, everyday pajamas, a fancy satin nightgown and floral robe with satin slippers, and even a white taffeta wedding gown and veil. She has shoes to match every outfit, and accessories include sunglasses, rhinestone bracelet and tiara, and a wedding bouquet.
But the most important reason I have kept this toy all these years is that my mother made some of Debbie’s clothes. I remember the evenings falling asleep to the hum of the sewing machine and wondering what she was making. My parents didn’t have much; so she supplemented the wardrobe with homemade gowns. And not only for me, but also for my twin sister’s doll as well.
As Martha and I took our “twin” dolls on fantasy trips and to festive galas, our imaginations soared. We would always bring them back home to sleep on the beautiful wooden doll beds our father had made for them. Painted shiny white with floral decals at the head and foot of the beds, they were the perfect size for our dolls. Unfortunately, the doll bed didn’t survive these many years, but I’ve been able to keep Debbie and the memories of the love that was poured into those gifts.
Debbie isn’t going back in the storeroom. I’m going to wash her clothes ever so gently, give her a bath, and spruce up her hair. Our daughters and daughter-in-law will enjoy seeing her again, and our granddaughters are now old enough to appreciate her. It’s time for them to touch and feel the loving memories of their great-grandmother’s handiwork.
Are you familiar with Mary Hoyer dolls? You can still buy them on various websites and on eBay. I’ve seen these vintage dolls in their original boxes with clothes sell for more than $500. But you’ll never see Debbie there. One day the granddaughter who appreciates her most will have this keepsake. But not for a few more years…
What was your favorite Christmas toy? Are your fondest memories of the toy itself or of the story surrounding it? Do you still have it? Is it a regular old-fashioned toy or electronic? An outdoor or indoor toy?
Cecelia Dowdy
My family never celebrated Christmas when I was a child. But, I do recall playing with a Barbie-like doll named Julia? She was an African-American doll dressed like a nurse. This Julia doll was based upon a character played by Dianne Carroll on a weekly TV show called Julia. I recall the show…vaguely…I was so young back then! Julia was a nurse and single mother. Her son’s name was Cory?
Wendy Lawton
Oooo, Mary, you have a treasure. Having come from the toy industry in my other life 🙂 I’m very familiar with collectible dolls. Mary Hoyer dolls are much in demand.
Of course, the memories of the hum of that sewing machine are priceless.
Cheryl Malandrinos
What a special memory. Thanks for sharing it. I’ve seen these dolls before, but didn’t know them by name. I wish I had some of the toys from my childhood, but we kids were expected to donate anything we outgrew–including toys. I recall receiving a Golden Book Treasury of Books, which was a large hardcover that included many–if not all–the Golden Book stories. I wish I still had it. I would have loved to have passed it down to my children.
Julie Surface Johnson
Mary, what wonderful memories you have! I think it’s great that you’re bringing Debbie out of the storeroom and giving her a second chance at being loved. And how special for all the women in your family to (re-)connect with your mother!