Maggie-Bessie
The Maggie Bessie dolls were made by the Pfohl Sisters (Maggie & Bessie), two Moravian ladies in Old Salem, North Carolina,
beginning in 1893. Unique dolls are the hallmark of the handmade cottage industry. There were several styles used by the
sisters over the years and both male and female dolls were made. These particular dolls was made by Miss Bessie Pfohl in
1918 for Rebekah Louise Hurley, whose mother went to Salem College with Maggie & Bessie. Reference: “The Pfohl Sisters
and their Maggie Bessie Dolls” by Bradley Justice in November 2006 "Antique Doll Collector". According to Bradley Shawstein:
"There are several different sizes (from about 11 inches to about 20 inches), there are variances on dress/hair color. They did
very few boys, boy's hair is parted on the side, and he had brown eyes. The girls (or the 100 or so that I have seen) are always
blue eyed. Even more rare is the doll named "Miss Chitty" made by their mentor and teacher at the college, Elizabeth Chitty."
The dolls continued to be made into the 1950s though there are very few of those.
beginning in 1893. Unique dolls are the hallmark of the handmade cottage industry. There were several styles used by the
sisters over the years and both male and female dolls were made. These particular dolls was made by Miss Bessie Pfohl in
1918 for Rebekah Louise Hurley, whose mother went to Salem College with Maggie & Bessie. Reference: “The Pfohl Sisters
and their Maggie Bessie Dolls” by Bradley Justice in November 2006 "Antique Doll Collector". According to Bradley Shawstein:
"There are several different sizes (from about 11 inches to about 20 inches), there are variances on dress/hair color. They did
very few boys, boy's hair is parted on the side, and he had brown eyes. The girls (or the 100 or so that I have seen) are always
blue eyed. Even more rare is the doll named "Miss Chitty" made by their mentor and teacher at the college, Elizabeth Chitty."
The dolls continued to be made into the 1950s though there are very few of those.
