Kate Reed, who founded the Kinzua Country Dollers Club and is known as a doll researcher in the U.S. and abroad, recently spoke to the Woman's Club of Warren about her recent trip to Germany in search of old doll factories, castles and great food. Reed and two friends met at JFK airport and traveled to their base city of Sonneberg in the heart of doll country. There they rented a car and visited many of the nearby cities and towns where dolls were or are still being made. Many of the doll "factories" were not at all what we would consider a factory, she said. Rather they were in people's homes and the entire family was involved in the manufacture of dolls. Some factories are still in existence but many are in ruins or merely vacant lots.
The friends found many fascinating places to visit including a doll festival, a national museum dedicated to all things associated with dolls and doll making, and houses with doll molds used as tiles on the outside. When molds were retired employees were free to take them and use them as they saw fit. One day while picnicking along a stream, a bit of white in the stream caught Reed's eye. Upon further investigation she found molds of a doll's head and other parts which she had on display. She also displayed other things found or purchased during her "magical trip" to German doll country.
President Tana Fegley thanked hostesses Beth Howe and Priscilla Skarada for planning the event and social hour. Fegley reminded all present of upcoming events, particularly the Holly House Tour and Victorian Tea to be held Sunday, Dec. 9. The Christmas luncheon will be Dec. 3 with reservations due by noon Friday, Nov. 30. The Christmas dinner for members friends and family will be on Friday, Dec. 14, by paid reservation only. Space is limited so early sign-ups are encouraged. And anyone not entering through the front door was encouraged to take special note of the new sign recently erected in the front lawn.
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Speaker Kate Reed