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SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE: Design Trends of the Mid-20th Century

“Stars On Ice: Collectible Ice Skating Dolls”

By Donald-Brian Johnson

When snowflakes fall, the time is right to celebrate the enduring appeal of Joyce Byers created her first
“dolls on ice”. Bundled up against the “brrrrr” of chilly winds, these wintry “Carolers” in the 1960s, from a
wonders send a shiver up the spines of their devotees — a shiver that has family-staffed garage workshop.
nothing to do with cold weather. Today, Byers’ Choice employs
Ice-skating dolls conjure up memories of frosty days spent zooming around 80-some artisans. Each year, they
a silvery rink, confident that, at journey’s end, a piping-hot cup of cocoa (and turn out thousands of “Carolers” —
including limber skaters.
a warm pair of socks) await. And, there are hundreds of dolls to choose from. Barbie: Barbie Millicent “Flying Like Tweety”
Some bear classic names (“Madame Alexander”; “Barbie”). Others are limited Roberts has done it all. From (aka “Tutu Tweet”)
editions, or high-end “art” dolls. There are spinoffs of popular product lines humble beginnings as a teen model, by Cindy M. McClure. 12” h.,
$125-150.
(“Precious Moments”), and dolls with commercial tie-ins (“Campbell’s Soup”). the seemingly ageless favorite, (she
Many celebrate Olympic champions. Skating dolls represent all ages, and all made her first appearance in 1959), has
eras in dress and design, from Victorian to modern-day. Why, there’s even a earned her keep for Mattel. “Barbie’s”
“Dora the Explorer” skater! embarked on over 125 careers, and re-
Although almost every doll manufacturer has released skating dolls, here are enacted countless fictional characters.
some of the best-known: Among those: a skating version of
Madame Alexander: Beatrice Alexander seemed destined for her dollmaking Disney’s “Cinderella”. Teamed up
career: she was born in an apartment above her father’s New York with perpetual boyfriend “Ken” as the
doll hospital! Madame’s first recognition came in the 1920s, “Princess and Prince on Ice”, “Barbie”
with renditions of characters from Louisa May Alcott’s “Little
Women”. Over the years “Jo”, “Meg”, “Amy”, and “Beth” skates and twirls, thanks to ingenious
(as well as boy-next door, “Laurie”), underwent numerous support structures.
permutations. For skating doll collectors, the favored Terri Lee Prices for some
Alexanders are the “Little Women” characters on skates, “Knickerbocker ice skating
bundled up for an afternoon on the ice Holiday”. dolls can
Terri Lee: Nebraska-born “Terri Lee” dolls were the 18” h.,
“American Girls” of their time. Instant recognition came $225-250. be chilling:
through their appearances in Montgomery Ward catalogs limited
just after World War II. During the edition
1940s and ‘50s, “Terri Lees” were the porcelains
choice of doting parents with money to Terri Lee and “art” Mattel’s Barbie & Ken,
burn (one “Terri Lee” even came with her skater in dolls “Disney Prince & Princess on Ice” $100-125/pr.
own mink coat.) Particularly prized by gold lamé top
skating enthusiasts: a red-velvet-attired outfit, 1954 out at nearly $1300, while a complete five-
17” h.
“Knickerbocker Holiday” doll. $450-500. piece “Little Women” skate set will run in
Betsy McCall: “McCall’s” may the neighborhood of $600. Fortunately, many
have been meant for Mom, but few
little girls of the 1950s and ‘60s could resist turning to skating dolls are much more affordable, in the
“their” page: childhood fashions, modeled by magazine $200-and-under range. So, if a model melts your
mascot, “Betsy McCall”. From her 1951 beginnings as a heart, and the price is right, go for it. After all, you
paper doll, “Betsy” soon progressed to a “real” doll. The first don’t want to be left out in the cold!
“Betsy” was released by Ideal in 1952. She became known for her (Patricia Johnson
extensive wardrobe, including ice-skating attire. collection)
“Betsy McCall” Effanbee “Patsy”: In the 1920s and ‘30s, every Skating dolls courtesy of Joan Lubischer, except as noted.
on skates. child knew “Patsy”, thanks to her distinctive looks Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann
14-1/2” h. (bobbed red molded hair, pouty lips, glancing-to- Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous Schiffer books on design and collectibles,
$150-$175 the-side eyes). Other trademarks: her gold charm including “Postwar Pop”, a collection of his columns. Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@
bracelet; her newsletter, “The Patsytown msn.com
News”; and her traveling spokesperson, “Aunt Madame Alexander’s “Little Women”. Each, 8” h. Set of 5, $500-600.
Patsy”. Each of “Patsy’s” signature stylings (Patricia Johnson collection)
had a safety-pin closure. Included in her
closet-filling collection:
plenty of winter outfits.
Byers’ Choice: Those
who prefer a hand-
crafted look hone in on
“Byers’ Choice”. Known
as the “Carolers”,
(their mouths
are always open
in song), the
elongated shapes
of the Byers
figures lend
themselves well
Byers’ Choice “Skating Carolers”. to skating poses.
Tallest figure, 14”; $100-125 ea.