Doll News Summer 2015 - (Page 108)
T he Care of an American Icon
by Bradley Justice
W
hat does one do when a doll and two
bears show up on the doorstep? Brook
Ashley gladly invited them in to reminisce. She had
met them before, you see. They were childhood
friends, but not just any childhood friends. The
doll was Edith, heroine of the Lonely Doll series of
books written by Dare Wright. The bears were Little
Bear and Mr. Bear, of equal fame.
Dare Wright created the Lonely Doll books
beginning in 1957 when she photographed her
childhood Lenci 109 doll with two teddy bears.
According to The Lonely Doll's book jacket: "Edith
has belonged to Miss Wright since she was seven,
but she was a lonely doll until a few years ago when
Miss Wright helped her brother to choose a bear for
a small friend. They came home with two bears, and
Edith looked so happy with them that Miss Wright
kept Little Bear. After a good deal of shopping for
an animal with the right expression, her brother
found Mr. Bear, and the family was complete." The
bears came from FAO Schwarz in New York City.
The book, The Lonely Doll (Doubleday, 1957),
became a sensation. It even made the New York
Times children's books best seller list.
The toys became famous. The model 109 is
an early doll produced in Italy by Lenci. Edith
A self portrait of Dare Wright.
Dare, model turned photographer
created the Lonely Doll series
of children's books beginning
in 1957. Her beauty resonates
through her images.
108
SUMMER 2015
Brook Ashley,
goddaughter to
Dare Wright and the
caretaker of Edith and
the Bears. Her earliest
memories include Edith,
the Lonely Doll and
the bears. She has
made it her mission to
document and share
the rich history of
Dare Wright.
All photographs courtesy
of Dare Wright Media, LLC
except where otherwise
indicated.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Doll News Summer 2015
From the Editor
UFDC Offi cers and Regional Directors
President’s Message
Conference Calendar
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members / Getting to Know You – The UFDC Club President’s Survey
Fundraising Committee Report
The Marvelous Magical Betsy McCall
Betsy Original Paper Doll
The Story behind UFDC’s Emblem – Miss Unity
Steiff ’s Timeless and Beloved “Teddy Baby” Bears
Native Alaskan Dolls
Russian Stockinette Dolls
The Mark Farmer Company Story
Dress Up Fun with Betsy McCall, a Game
Tammy – The Doll You Love To Dress
The Care of An American Icon
A Study in Aesthetics: Considering the Uncanny Doll
Maternal Love – The Dolls of Anne Myatt
Patti Playpal – A Big Doll for a Little Girl
Who Dressed Betsy McCall
Heavens to Betsy!
UFDC Region 14 Conference – Golden Memories
Club Notes
Reviewing Resources
In Our Memories
Donations
UFDC Nominating Process – 2016 Election Information for Regional Directors
MAL Form
News & Notes
Doll News Summer 2015
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/70-02
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/70-01
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/69-04
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/69-03
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/69-02
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/69-01
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/68-04
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/68-03
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/68-02
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/68-01
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/67-4
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/67-3
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/67-2
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/67-1
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/66-4
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/66-3
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/66-2
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/66-1
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/65-4
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/65-3
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/65-2
http://www.brightcopy.net/allen/doln/65-1
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/64-4
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/64-3
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/64-2
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/64-1
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/63-4
https://www.nxtbook.com/allen/doln/63-3
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com