By 2006, it was evident that the doll world was going through a “down” period. Doll sales and doll shows were faltering, perhaps due to world events that seemed to influence people to pull back, look inward, and spend less. We badly needed both a way to look at our doll interests in a new light and a way to re-kindle our enthusiasm.

I thought for a long time about how widely varied the interests or our members are. The answer had to be something that everyone could participate in, whether their interest lay in antiques or modern dolls, paper or porcelain, fashion or baby dolls, or in making or collecting them.

I had become intrigued with the pedlar dolls from the 1800s and earlier. This was an idea that had possibilities… Every era has its itinerant sales people, from old-time vendors of fish or fruit and vegetables to modern-day Avon ladies and 1950s encyclopedia salesmen.

Thus the idea was born. The President’s Challenge for 2007 would be to present a doll as a pedlar. Members could make their doll or use an existing one. The era represented could be any era. Every entry would qualify for a participant’s ribbon and in addition, there would be one first place and one "member’s choice" ribbon. Members were encouraged to do a little research and be creative with items they already had in their collections. The challenge would be issued in January and the results would be announced at the annual dinner in June.

I was delighted to receive six entries in time for judging. Julie Thur graciously and enthusiastically agreed to be the judge - although her job would turn out to be a tough one, since every entry had some special merit.

2007 Participants:

2007 Winner: May Griffith, for “The Doll Lady”

2007 Members’ Choice: Pam Glew, for “A Traditional-style English Pedlar”

It was a pleasure to see that the project generated interest from long-time and new members alike. I was thrilled with the results.

Congratulations to all participants,

Anne Taller
President, 2006 - 2007