A week ago, I tossed a little, old, bridal doll in the trash because she lost
her head! I couldn't fix it, and I've tossed her around in the old boxes so many times, I just got rid of her. Now I'm truly sorry I did.
The next week, my good friend Alice told me she was going to pick up her old doll from the "doll hospital" as she puts it for her grandchildren. "What? There's a doll hospital?" I exclaimed. "In New Haven, IN!!" I just had to go there! I've heard about places like this but never visited one.
I was in for a delightful surprise. On the side of the building was a huge mural of the basic concept of the store and in front, there was the store/hospital window!!!!
Alice and I walked in, and immediately saw the small metal kitchen sink that we both had as children! We just starting rambling on about our childhood, unaware of the store clerk who came to talk with us. I'm sure she has witnessed this many times before.
We saw other antique doll furniture and a wicker doll carriage. Glass cupboards held some very old dolls that were in great condition. There was a collection of old Storybook Dolls and Ginny Dolls. Middleton Dolls are the latest "real" life baby dolls that you can adopt. We saw antique and new doll clothing, doll shoes of all sizes, and doll hairpieces of all sizes and colors. What a find for a doll collector or anyone who wants to reminisce.
Some day soon, with my granddaughter Lilly, I am taking in another old bride doll whose dress crumbled with age and fit her with a new dress! I might even take something there to sell.
If you're interested, you can find Dolly Heaven at this website: http://www.repairmydoll.com/ It is also on Facebook as Dolly Heaven or Dolly Dearest and on ebay as Dolly Dearest.
Be sure to go in with a good friend and get lost.............................
Tam,
ReplyDeleteYour excitement is tangible. I can sense your bubbling-overness. I must admit, all those dolls carries a hint of horror film for me. But the name of the store, Dolly Heave, is enough to put my irrational fears at ease. It seems like a truly magical place. I especially liked the long space at the end of the piece; it's like an invitation to imagine.
Best wishes,
Erin
I totally love that when you heard about this place, you went there to see it for yourself! It sounds like you have a great time and I found myself wondering if you have anything captured in your notebook about it. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, sounds like a ton of fun. I have a very old doll in a box that needs some fixing. Your post brought so many thoughts to my mind. I could feel your happiness and glee.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun you must have had. I looked up the site & still have one old doll that I would like to restore. The rest have been given away long ago to cousins, etc. I love that you'll go with your granddaughter-making new memories for her!
ReplyDeleteDear Tam,
ReplyDeleteYou sound thrilled like a little child. I think that is one of the most wonderful feelings for an adult.
This post reminded me of Kate DiCamillo's "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane." If you haven't read it, I recommend it, even though it is meant for children. If you have read it, you know where the connection comes from.
I want to go!! Can we go this summer??? A girls trip? Maybe Gramps can take Lucas fishing and we can head to the Doll Hospital! I am excited already!
ReplyDeleteAnything can happen in summer, Mel. Thanks for reading my posts.
ReplyDelete