Every antique collector should have a few dolls.
At least Rose Sicking thinks so.
The Gainesville resident has dolls that are more than 100 years old — elegant dolls in fine clothing, baby dolls with sleeping eyes, vintage Santas.
She loves all her dolls, but some of her favorites are German bisque dolls.
“To me (they) are the most fascinating with their beautiful faces, tiny teeth and original clothing,” Sicking said.
She said the dolls of yesterday are different from modern dolls.
“The dolls in my collection are a sharp contrast to the dolls of today,” she said.
For one thing, modern dolls are often made of molded plastic and mass-produced.
A hundred years ago, dolls were fashioned of cloth, bisque porcelain or composition material with hand painted features and carefully constructed clothing.
Dolls have also changed on the inside.
Years ago, manufacturers often used whatever was handy to stuff their dolls.
That included some inexpensive or recycled materials.
“Some have arms and legs stuffed with straw or sawdust,” Sicking said.
Other dolls in Sickingís collection have jointed arms and legs which make them perfect for placing in chairs and at tables.
“Positioning adds to the dolls’ charm,” she said.
Most of the dolls in Sicking’s collection also have sleeping glass eyes and swivel heads — elements which adds to a doll’s value and appeal.
“A few have wigs made of their owner’s first haircut which was a common practice years ago,” Sicking added.
Sicking’s dolls are all antiques.
“The dolls in my collection are around 100 years old and in great condition,” she said.
She recently loaned some of her favorites to the Morton Museum of Cooke County.
The dolls are on display during December when museum staff plan special events such as the Dec. 17 Cajun Christmas event and the annual bell sale and reception.
Each doll has its own expression, its own personality.
Museum director Cathy Farquhar said she has some favorites.
A delicate doll in a white frock is one of them.
“I like her eyes. She has just looks so sweet,” Farquhar said.
In addition to the dolls, Sicking also loaned the museum one of her horse drawn carriages.
It is secured outside the museum and decked out with ribbons and faux gifts.
Collecting carriages may not be a common hobby, but Sicking said she owes her love for the historic form of transportation to her late father.
“My father was a farmer, a talented blacksmith and a farrier (someone who outfits horses with shoes). That’s why I’m drawn especially to the old west heritage. I’ve spent time and energy searching for old horse-drawn buggies and buckboards, bringing them home to refurbish and seeing them come to life again,” she said.
Sicking also sells her carriages, but said she always keeps some for herself.
One of her treasured buggies once belonged to a doctor.
“It dates back to the late 1800s — it’s a keeper,” she said.
The carriage on display outside the Morton is also popular with passersby, Farquhar said.
“People love it. I’ve had people come here to take pictures of it,” she said.
Sicking also has another tie with the Morton.
She lives in major museum supporter Margaret P. Hayes’ house on East Pecan Street.
“Everyone should learn to appreciate antiques — they are our heritage,” she said. “As any (with) collector, I delight in anyone showing even the most casual interest in the things I’ve collected over the years. I enjoy sharing antiques with the museum for all to enjoy during the holiday season.”
The museum is located at 210 S. Dixon St. in Gainesville. Call 668-8900 for more information.
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