c. 1865 Izannah Walker doll, originally owned by Maude Rouse of Central Falls, RI, was sold at the Withington auction on April 12th, 2018.
On April 12th Withington Auction sold an amazing Izannah Walker doll. The doll was
purchased in 1865 by Eastwood Eastwood, for his adopted daughter, Maude Rouse, of Central Falls, RI. A note detailing the doll’s provenance was stitched to the hem of her petticoat. Eastwood Eastwood was briefly the mayor of Central Falls. RI, where Izannah Walker lived and worked.*
I had the privilege of attending the auction and seeing Maude Rouse’s doll in person. It was a wonderful experience which I’d like to share with you. I hope you enjoy seeing the photos of this outstanding doll, which now lives in a very loving home with her third owner ❤ I can not imagine a better place for her to be!
c. 1865 Izannah Walker doll sold at Withington Auction 4/12/18.
Photos from the Withington auction preview on 4/11/18.
* Sometime between 1850 – 1853 Izannah Walker moved from Somerset Village, MA to Central Falls, RI, where she lived until her death on February 15, 1888. She died of consumption, now known as pulmonary tuberculosis, and is buried, alongside her best friend Emeline Whipple, in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI, which is not far from her home in Central Falls.
“Look! There we are!” “Oh, there’s Lucy and Johne Shedd too!” “Where?” “Let me see!” “Remember that?” “It was so much fun!”
Look what just came! The latest issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine, with my article about the Izannah Walker exhibit that I curated for the Jenny Lind Doll Show in October, AND a wonderful article, by Izannah Walker historian, Monica Bessette about six Walker dolls that she visited while doing research for her new book!
If you are a subscriber your copy of the magazine should be arriving in your mailbox any day. ❤ A single copy of this issue can be purchased from Antique Doll Collector for $10 postage paid by emailing adcsubs@gmail.com or calling 631-261-4100. Copies should also be available in some Barnes & Noble stores in a week or two.
We hope you enjoy reading about us in the March 2018 issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine. ❤
I have an article about the Izannah Walker exhibit that I curated at the Jenny Lind Doll Show last October in the March issue of Antique Doll Collector. Here is a sneak peek of the cover and contents page. The magazine should start mailing to subscribers on 2/22 and be for sale at Barnes and Noble in early March. ❤ Well known Izannah Walker biographer, Monica Bessette, has written a companion article entitled Izannah Dreams, also in the March issue. I can’t wait to read it!
Look for both my article and Monica Bessette’s about the Izannah Walker exhibit at the Jenny Lind Doll Club in the March 2018 issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine. ❤
I have an update on the articles about the Jenny Lind Doll Club Izannah Walker exhibit. Antique Doll Collector has pushed both my article and Monica Bessette’s to their March 2018 issue, in order to devote more space to them. The March issue should mail to subscribers on 2/22. So no Izzys in February, but lots and lots in March!Click here for information about subscribing to Antique Doll Collector.
What could be a better Halloween treat than a new book made just for me? What a thoughtful gift! ❤ ~Thank you~ Josephine and Ismay are all ready to carve their Halloween pumpkins.Isabeau joins in the carving fun!
It has been a very eventful day here, as the dolls and I have celebrated Izannah Walker’s 200th birthday. We’ve enjoyed each other’s company, tried a few new things (not all of which have worked perfectly 🙂 ), met new friends, and eaten ice cream!!!
A dozen demure little Izannah Walker dolls, gathered in their parlor to mark the 200th anniversary of their creator birth.Lily, Ismay, Isabeau and little IzzybelleWe were thrilled to have such wonderful friends come spend the day with us ❤The dolls had a lovely afternoon chatting, reminiscing, and playing games.The smallest girls were in charge of scooping out the ice cream and making sure everyone got their fair share ❤Make a wish! ❤Now that the ice cream has been eaten it is time for presents!The dolls received a wonderful decoupaged band box to keep their treasures in…… the lovely china doll was a gift from their dearest friend Peggy ❤
… and what was my present on this wonderful day? Why the very best present of all! I got to spend the day with you and a dozen little dolls that bring me a deep sense of contentment, quite joy, and continuing wonder! Even better is the fact that tomorrow, and the next day, and the next… I get to get up and spend the day studying, restoring, conserving, and reproducing these tiny pieces of history. I am very thankful for all of the interesting people I have met thus far during my Izannah journey and the wonderful friends I have made. Being a doll maker is a continuing adventure… and I can’t think of a better gift than that! ❤
Carte de visite of Sarah Alice Langworthy age 22 months, December, 1884. Sarah was born in February, 1883 in Westerly, RI. She died in January, 1887. This is an example of a child holding an Izannah Walker doll that is much older than the child. Sarah was born 10 years after Izannah Walker received her patent. Although it is a bit difficult to make out, the doll in the photograph is a pre-patent Izannah Walker doll. Collection of Paula Walton.
I am privileged to own one period photograph of a child holding an Izannah Walker doll. It is a carte de visite of Sarah Alice Langworthy age 22 months, taken during December, 1884. Sarah was born in February of 1883 in Westerly, RI, 10 years after Izannah Walker received her patent. Sarah Alice died in January, 1887.
Fortunately the back of the carte de visite has Sarah’s name, her age, and the date written on it. That information along with the location of the photographer printed on the front of the image allowed me to search for Sarah Alice. It took me several hours of research to find the record of her birth and death… In my heart I had been hoping that I would find out that Sarah Alice had married, borne a houseful of children, and lived a long life. It would have been lovely to imagine that the doll Sarah Alice was holding so tightly in her photograph was a family doll, that might have been passed down to her own children… There is no way of knowing if the Izannah Walker doll that Sarah Alice is holding once belonged to her mother or other family member… or if it was a prop belonging to the photographer, meant to entertain children and help them sit still…
Nathan Loveland Langworthy, born September 7,1885, 8 months old.Sarah Alice Langworthy, nine months old.
In memory of Sarah Alice, Cloe and I attempted to recreate her carte de visite. We were not entirely successful, as the lure of actually playing with a doll is so much more enticing to a two year old, than merely sitting demurely in a chair. I hope Sarah Alice had many similar days filled with love, and the unconditional joy of a child playing with her favorite doll. ❤
More birthday fun coming your way at 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. My New Dolls will be posted at 2:00 p.m., which is later than my previously stated time of noon… I’ve had a few technical difficulties with my video! Sorry!!!
Remember this? I invited you all to email me a short birthday message along with a photograph of your Izannah Walker doll – antique originals, reproduction dolls that I have made for you, or a doll that you have made yourself in tribute to Izannah’s dolls!
I hope you will enjoy looking through these heartfelt birthday greetings as much as I have!
Everyone who sent in a birthday message had their name put into a hat. The dolls and I shook up all the names and drew out one first place winner, who will receive a special package full of birthday goodies, and two runners up, who will be sent party favors! … and the winners are –
1st Prize – Linnie N.!
Party Favors – Tricia S. and Liz Holmes!
I added a Special Makers Award, so both Charlotte and Susie are getting prizes just because their birthday greetings took so much time and effort on their part! ❤
You may click on any photograph to enlarge it and read the birthday greetings ❤
Young girl with Izannah Walker doll. ca 1863Young girl with Izannah Walker doll by Paula Walton, ca 2017
“TIMELESS”
“Happy Birthday, Izannah Walker,” and
“Thank You, Paula Walton!”
From Mary & Pauline “Here is Miss Pauline wishing a great big birthday wish to her maker!”
Here is Miss Pauline wishing a great big birthday wish to her maker. Mary (you’ll want to click to enlarge these, Miss Pauline is a lovely original Izannah Walker doll ❤ )
Happy Birthday Izannah!
Many years separate us but you are such an inspiration to so many. Happy Birthday Izannah. Judith Jaques
Many years separate us but you are such an inspiration to so many. Happy Birthday Izannah. Judith Jaques
HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY IZANNAH WALKER!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!! LIZ HOLMES
Happy Birthday Izannah Walker 200 yrs.! Linnie N.
Happy Birthday Izannah Walker 200 yrs. Linnie N.
Izannah Walker dolls are the embodiment of home comfort and tranquility, they remember the warmth of children’s hands. Such dolls were made for the game and remember the faces of little girls from distant times. Besides dolls, I really love cats. This is my passion too. A cat is a symbol of a home. And I wanted to make a doll in the shape of a cat and with the character of Izannah Walker dolls. So my cat-doll is so important to me. It’s this doll I dedicate to Izannah Frankford Walker. I also want to say a big thank you from all my heart for your classes, for your support and help. Svetlana
This doll I dedicate to Izannah Frankford Walker. Svetlana
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us! Billie A.
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us! Billie A.
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us!
Billie A.
Dear Izannah, I have your birthday cake on the table and an empty seat waiting for you to arrive at your party! Happy 200th Birthday! Judy M.
Ada , on the left , and Pearl send Birthday Greetings to Izannah, both of my wonderful dolls made by Paula Walton! Marilyn Brown
A Birthday Tale:
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A Birthday Tale
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A Birthday Tale:
A Birthday Tale
Charlotte’s Birthday Tale:
1.) Liberty has some news to share with Savannah and Annabel.
2.) Savannah seats herself on the settee while Annabel jumps up and down with excitement
3.) Liberty announces that a close relative has lost her parents in a tragic situation and must come live with them as she no longer has a home. She tells Annabel that she’s younger than her and that Annabel will have the responsibility of making their new sister at home because now Annabel will be like Savannah and herself – a big sister.
4.) Annabel ponders this over and over in her mind. No longer the little sister? I’ll be a big sister?
5.) Annabel protests this new information and asks why do things have to change? Aren’t they happy together as 3 sisters? Why a 4th.?
6.) Savannah tries to explain this to her woolly headed little sister, but gives up and sighs!
7.) Annabel runs over to her favourite chair and sobs her little heart out. Why can’t she stay the youngest? Who could Savannah and Liberty love that much. Now she’d
have share her room and clothes… She was having none of it…
8.) In walks a guest…
9.) She curtsies and says she is the relative that had sent a message ahead to announce her arrival and hopes she hasn’t interrupted their afternoon tea.
10.) Savannah and Annabel get up and curtsy.
11.) Annabel’s curiosity gets the better of her and she shyly introduces herself to the newest member of the household.
12.) Annabel couldn’t believe that this finely dressed, sweet little girl was going to live with them. She was instantly smitten with a motherly affection and wished to make newcomer feel at home. How could she have doubted Liberty’s wisdom.
13.) “What is your name”, Annabel inquired.
14.) The shy little girl whispered, “Patience”
15.) We are so glad you’re here and welcome to our home” said Annabel
16.) Annabel immediately asked Patience to sit down and join them for tea.
17.) Patience appeared to all the most modest and well bred little lady. (Annabel couldn’t wait till she and Patience would be alone, to ask Patience if she could try on her clothes.)
18.) As soon as they sat at the tea table, they noticed Patience was tired from her long journey as she soon let down her guard and slumped sleepily in her seat.
19.) To aid Patience and to help make her feel at home, Annabel immediately imitated her posture.
20.) Liberty walked into the room with a lit Birthday cake. “Make a wish, Patience. It’s your birthday and we are so happy to have you become a part of our family”.
21.) Patience looked at everyone and then stared at the cake. What to wish for? “A family to love me”, she thought to herself. ” Will I be able to stay?”
22.) After they sang – as if everyone was reading her mind, Liberty turned to Patience and said, “Welcome home, Patience. You are part of us now. We will always be four sisters now.”
23.) Patience felt like she was dreaming. Really, a forever home!
24.) She held her head up high and whispered, I’m home.
25.) Annabel looked fondly at Patience and thought about all the fun and mischief they would get into… it is going to be Great being a big sister!
26.) The End.
Happy 200th. Birthday Izannah Walker!
This is Lila Rose who is named after the real Lila pictured below. Lila was my cloth doll mentor and I purchased this IW from Lila. She came with the hand made collar and pin, extra gifts from my sweet friend. Lila Rose and I live in Mexico and she is a good traveler. We send our greetings for a fantastic birthday remembrance of Izannah.
This is Lila Rose who is named after the real Lila pictured below. Lila was my cloth doll mentor and I purchased this IW from Lila. She came with the hand made collar and pin, extra gifts from my sweet friend.
Lila Rose and I live in Mexico and she is a good traveler.
We send our greetings for a fantastic birthday remembrance of Izannah.
This is the sweet girl you made just about a year ago. As you can see, her name is Edith Ann (for my second great-grandmother who would have been of an age to have an Izannah doll). I’m so happy she’s come to live at my house in Southeastern Connecticut! The Izannah dolls have been a source of great fascination for me and I’m grateful for your efforts to continue the story! Happy Birthday, Izannah Walker!
Hi Paula, I am sending you a picture of my IW doll you made special for me. I cross stitched her name & year. I can not tell you how much I love this doll you made for me. Thank you for doing this Birthday bash. Looking forward to viewing all the pictures.
Hi Paula,
I am sending you a picture of my IW doll you made special for me. I cross stitched her name & year. I can not tell you how much I love this doll you made for me.
Thank you for doing this Birthday bash. Looking forward to viewing all the pictures.
Annabelle May is sending greetings to you Paula, and all Izannah’s wherever they may be! She is dreaming of all the girls that have been made since the birth of Izannah Walker in 1817. She is in a very contemplative mode today, she would like to give all Izannah’s and their mammon’s a big hug to celebrate the 200th anniversary of their creators birth.
Annabelle May is sending greetings to you Paula, and all Izannah’s wherever they may be!
She is dreaming of all the girls that have been made since the birth of Izannah Walker in 1817. She is in a very contemplative mode today, she would like to give all Izannah’s and their mammon’s a big hug to celebrate the 200th anniversary of their creators birth.
Dear Paula, Thank you very much for my beautiful new blue clothes. They are easy to get into, so I can dress myself, and are very comfortable, but the best thing of all is the pocket — I’ve never had a pocket before. It is ever so clever for keeping one’s prized possessions close at hand.A spring bouquet of tiny native orchids from my garden for Izannah to enjoy with her celebrations. No doubt all the little Izannahs are anticipating a wonderful day. I look forward to enjoying it with them. Susan
Dear Izannah: Happy Happy Birthday. May it be a day filled with joy, laughter and rays of sunshine. I am having trouble chosing a dress to wear . Please save a crumb of your cake for me. Oh yes, my sister Elizabeth (she is much older than me) wishes to send greetings also. With much love, Mayla
Dear Izannah: Happy Happy Birthday. May it be a day filled with joy, laughter and rays of sunshine. I am having trouble choosing a dress to wear . Please save a crumb of your cake for me. Oh yes, my sister Elizabeth (she is much older than me) wishes to send greetings also.
With much love, Mayla
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Dear Izannah, Congratulations on the 200th anniversary! We send you hugs and love from Russia!
Dear Izannah, Congratulations on the 200th anniversary! We send you hugs and love from Russia!
200 year greetings,
from a far distant land,
to a talented lady
who made dolls by hand.
Thank you Izannah
for your iconic toy,
recreating it’s likeness,
has brought nothing but joy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
My sincere thanks to all of you who participated in my birthday greetings project!!! I had so much fun putting this together and I hope everyone reading this has enjoyed it to!
Come back to visit here on www.izannahwalker.com today at 10:00, 2:00 – when my latest reproduction dolls will be posted, 4:00 & 6:00 Eastern Time for the rest of today’s festivities. ❤
You still have time to email me your Birthday Greetings! Send them to paula@asweetremembrance.com. Everyone who sends is a Izannah Walker 200th Birthday Message and photo will be entered in a drawing to win a special birthday present of Izannah Walker themed goodies ❤
As I’m sure almost all of you reading this know, September 25th will mark the 200th anniversary of the day Izannah Walker was born. As a fun way to celebrate the occasion I would like to invite you all to email me a short birthday message along with a photograph of your Izannah Walker doll, whether it is an antique original, a reproduction doll that I have made for you, or a doll that you have made yourself in tribute to Izannah’s dolls!
Birthday messages… ❤
I’m posting this early so that everyone who is interested in participating will have plenty of time to coax their dolls into posing for photos. Please send your photo and birthday greeting to paula@asweetremembrance.comno later than September 18th. I will post all of the photos and their accompanying messages here on my Izananh Walker Journal as part of my annual Izannah Walker birthday celebration.
Isabeau hopes that some of her dear friends will send birthday greetings to celebrate Izannah Walker’s 200th birthday.
My dolls and I are very much looking forward to hearing from you and getting a chance to see what some of our absent friends have been up to lately. ❤ ❤ ❤
