Dolls bring history to life

The Dundy County Museum in Benkelman, Nebraska, now displays a "history of fashion" doll collection created by Marjorie Reisher of rural Benkelman. Mrs. Reisher's family did not want the collection broken up, and donated it in its entirety -- cabinets and all -- to the Dundy County Historical Society. The collection got its beginnings in the late 1960s, according to museum volunteer Jane Monson. Jane said Mrs. Reisher displayed the dolls in front of mirrors. "Some of the dresses are as pretty from the back," Jane said, adding that "when I win the lottery, I'm buying mirrors for the dolls." (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- The family of the late Marjorie Reisher donated her 300 plus doll collection to the Dundy County Museum in Benkelman. It might be inaccurate to call it a doll collection, as it is more a "History of Fashion" collection. In the late 1960s, Mrs. Reisher of rural Benkelman began making doll clothes for the 11½-inch fashion dolls such as the Barbie doll.

Her collection includes the First Lady Inaugural gowns from Martha Washington through Barbara Bush. Meticulously made, the dresses are miniature duplicates of the gowns the First Ladies have donated to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. If Mrs. Reisher could not find fabric with the correct print, she painted fabric to make her clothing designs exact. Shoes, undergarments and accessories are even correct for the period. The First Lady Gown collection can be found at the museum in the main hallway.

Another portion of Mrs. Reisher's collection includes dresses from movies such as "Mary Poppins," "Gone with the Wind," the four sisters from "Little Women," "Romeo and Juliet," and many more. The dresses will take you back in time to relive the many old classic movies represented. This group of dolls is located in the main hallway on the west end.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

The largest portion of her collection includes dolls depicting fashions from 1700 -- 1970s. Included in this set are day dresses, walking dresses, riding dresses, evening dresses and ball gowns. You will also see fashions worn by teachers, nurses and sports figures. These dolls are located in a room at the east end of the museum. In this same room are Mrs. Reisher's dolls depicting famous people such as Amelia Earhart, Clara Barton, Daniel Boone, and President Lincoln and his wife to name a few. King Henry IIX of England and his six wives are there as well, decked out in very elaborate fashions of their time.

In addition to the famous people in this room, you will also find a Bridal Gown collection including some famous brides such as Princess Grace of Monaco (actress Grace Kelly) and Princess Diana. Many Fairy Tale characters are represented, as well as Regional Americans resembling, for example, the Eskimos and Hawaiians. Various Dancing costumes may be seen, like a Prima Ballerina or Square Dancers. Family attire throughout American History is depicted by a Pilgrim Family, Colonial Family, Pioneer Family and others.

This wonderful display may be seen in Benkelman at the Dundy County Museum located at 522 Arapahoe Street. The museum is open on Thursday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months. While you're at the museum enjoying the displays, take a break and stop at the Soda Fountain and enjoy an old-fashioned frosty, a root beer float or one of their delicious malts or shakes. Private tours may be scheduled by contacting Betty Deyle at 423-2750, Shirley Mullanix at 423-2682, or Jane Monson at 423-2291.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette