Remembering the 70s

A Simpler Time

Barbie Room Fulls

Barbie Dream House too expensive? No problem, buy one room at a time!

Barbie Room Fulls from 1975

Barbie Room Fulls from 1975

You can choose from the Living Room, Country Kitchen, Studio Bedroom, or the Vanity and Shower set. As an added bonus you can throw in some generic luggage for $2.69!

Rub-A-Dub Dolly from 1974

Wow! Yesterday got away from me and I did not get a chance to post before the day came to an end. My apologies to any who may have shown up for a 70s flashback. :)

It has been a while since I have posted anything for the doll lovers, so today I am posting the well know Rub-A-Dub Dolly. The ad is from the 1974 JCPenny Christmas catalog.

Rub A Dub Dolly from 1974

Rub A Dub Dolly from 1974

Isn’t this an eye opener for how much our society has changed. When I was a kid this commercial was considered harmless. Today, this commercial would cause quite the controversy.

Raggedy Ann and Andy from the 70s

Raggedy Anne and Andy where far more popular than just the 70s, but many children who grew up during that time where very familiar with these toys.

Raggedy Ann and Andy from the 70s

Raggedy Ann and Andy

Raggedy Ann was created by American writer Johnny Gruelle for his daughter, Marcella. She brought him a hand made rag doll and he drew a face on it. The name came from a book of poems from author James Whitcomb Riley. Gruelle created the name Raggedy Ann by combing the title “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie”.

Another interesting piece of history was his daughter died at the age of 13 after receiving a small pox vaccination at school without her parents consent. Raggedy Ann was then used as a symbol for the anti-vaccination movement. (Wiki)

The history behind some of these toys is truly fascinating.

Hollie Hobby Dolls and Furniture 1977

I am traveling up north next week to spend Thanksgiving with my parents so posting and commenting will be sporadic (if at all) next week.

Today’s post is all about the Holly Hobbie toy line.  This was one of my wife’s favorite toys and she especially enjoyed the furniture.

Holly Hobbie Dolls and Furniture 1977

Holly Hobbie Dolls and Furniture 1977

Did you know that Holly Hobbie is a real person? She is an American writer and illustrator who was born in 1944. Holly wrote the Toot and Puddle children’s books and she also was a contract artist for American Greetings where the director helped launch “blue girl” as the Holly Hobbie doll most people are familiar with today.

Baby Tender Love

Several people have inquired about this doll lately so I wanted to get it posted for them. Baby Tender Love from the 1971 Sears Wishbook.

Baby Tender Love 1971

Baby Tender Love 1971

Here are a couple of her sisters, Tearful Tender Love and Talking Tender Love. This page also has the Baby Tender Love Nursery and some additional clothing.

Baby Tender Love's Sisters and Accessories 1972

Baby Tender Love's Sisters and Accessories 1972