H88.56.1

doll. Description: black doll, stocking knit face and hands, red bandana print scarf on head with large "gold" earrings; face is painted; doll dressed in yellow cotton paisley print dress, long, with long sleeves, white collar and cuffs, with lace decoration at the front centered with a rhinestone; she wears a dotted dimity apron, tied in back with large box, and a matching fichu trimmed with lace; on her right arm is a basket containing small cellophane wrapped bundles (3 clear, 1 green, 1 orange, 1 purple); in her left hand is a rigid fan of paper colored vermillion and blue, edged in blue ribbon; white under clothes; wooden feet. Dimensions: 11-1/4" x 8" x 4" condition: very good; had card pinned to front of apron (which gave history of doll), card has been removed and is in file. History: "Aunt Sophronia" is doll's name, she is a character doll, a Prauline merchant. The history which comes with the doll indicates that she was made by Mrs. Jefferson Davis Weir of New Orleans, Louisiana, and that she was exhibited at the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939-1940) winning a first prize. The doll is also supposed to be a duplicate of one made for Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Cecile B. DeMille. References/Remarks: Interesting character doll. Has small red printed handkerchief in apron pocket.

Used: Golden Gate International Exposition