Remember Chatty Cathy? Vintage doll display to open briefly to public

photo by: Contributed photo

Barbie and Ken dolls will be part of the temporary exhibit from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, during a free event hosted by the Over the Rainbow Doll Club at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St.

Baby boomers who remember Chatty Cathy, the doll who spoke when a string was pulled on her back, will be able to reminisce during a special exhibit sponsored by the Over the Rainbow Doll Club.

An assortment of vintage dolls will be on display during a free program from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, hosted by the Over the Rainbow Doll Club at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St., Lawrence. The event includes a program and a doll display from the members’ collections. Included in the display will be early Barbie and Ken dolls dressed in their original outfits, child-sized Patti Playpal, and Tiny Tears, who produced tears when the doll’s belly was filled with water.

“We invite anyone who remembers these dolls or would like to introduce their children and grandchildren to the dolls of their youth,” said Julie Jasperson, a club member.

For Jasperson, her interest in dolls was rejuvenated when she saw a 1963 cardboard Barbie Dream House for sale on eBay, just like the one she had as a child. That led to purchasing some of the Barbie dolls and original Barbie clothing that she wanted as a child but couldn’t have.

“That discovery on eBay has led to a lot of fun and friendships through the Over The Rainbow Doll Club,” Jasperson said.

The club meets monthly to learn more about the history of various dolls, but also is a way to develop friendships, Jasperson said.

The group is affiliated with the United Federation of Doll Clubs, a national organization headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., which provides research and information on the conservation of dolls.

Only original dolls will be included in the temporary exhibit.

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