Old-Fashioned Play: Paper Dolls

The first manufactured paper doll was "Little Fanny" and was produced in London in 1810. Two years later, the first American manufactured paper doll was "The History and Adventures of Little Henry."

In November 1859, Godey’s Lady’s Book was the first-known magazine to print a paper doll in black and white, followed by a page of costumes for children to color. The 1900s saw an explosion of paper dolls in many ladies' and children's magazines. Lettie Lane, painted by Sheila Young, made her entrance in Ladies’ Home Journal in October 1908 and ran until July 1915.  The 1930s through the 1950s can perhaps claim the title “the Golden Age of Paper Dolls,” as their popularity during those years has never been equaled.

​Mattie Jo

This paper doll was created exclusively for the Fort Bend Museum. It features Mattie Jo Whitten Gless, who was born in the Long-Smith Cottage in 1925. Mattie Jo was the only daughter of Laura Sydney Whitten, who owned and lived in the Long-Smith Cottage from 1925 to 1973.

Click here or on the photo to download the Mattie Jo paper doll.

​What kind of adventures will Mattie Jo go on today? Can you make her some new clothes using your own template?