martedì 27 febbraio 2018

The Gratitude Train and its hand-made Dolls telling us the History of Fashion.


It was the year 1948: the whole Western Europe, thanks to the aid provided by the Marsahall Plan, better known in the States as the "European Recovery Program", but still under reconstruction after having paid such a heavy price as a result of the Second World War, when France, which, not unlike other countries, was still coming 
up the slope, decided to reward America: 
the state, but, above all, 
the population that had also rushed to help it.



Collage representing the XVIIth, the XIXth and the XXth century fashion



The "Friendship Train" made up of a good seven hundred wagons (the original project was to be of eighty!), filled with humanitarian aid for a total amount of 40 million dollars, had left New York the year before, after toured each US county, to reach Le Havre on December 18th, 1947.
The idea was by Drew Pearson, a political journalist and well-known radio personality, moved by compassion for the damage that France and Italy had suffered during the war.

The following year the French and Italian people, moved by this gesture of goodwill and eager to express their own gratitude, followed the suggestion of a veteran and former railwayman named André Picard, giving life to the "Gratitude Train" or "Merci Train": it consisted of 49 railroad freight cars, one for each American state - Washington DC and the Hawaiian Territory would had shared the forty-nineth wagon - and this too, as it was the case with the American Friendship Train, was a project based on the generosity of individuals.

People were encouraged to donate as much as they could: children created drawings or sacrificed beloved toys; women donated handmade doilies and ashtrays made of broken mirrors, food, sewing works, puppets for children, letters, war medals; men brought wine, books, furniture and homemade toys.
And the donations were so abundant that more than nine thousand gifts remained in France.

Each wagon and every gift inside it was labeled with the emblem of the Gratitude Train, the image of a train, seen in front, to which were added flowers to symbolize the fields of Flanders.

But it must be said that, with the humble gifts of individuals, they were included works of art and priceless historical artifacts: they were created by the designers, at that time most famous for their achievements, 49 models 24 inches tall (61 cm ca), authentic dolls built with skillfully shaped iron wire, complete with vintage hairstyles made of real hair, dressed with clothes whose details were just the same of dresses in real size, reproducing models that went from 1715 to 1906.

And it is not a coincidence that the very first mannequin bears precisely that date:


“1715 Doll”, Marcel Rochas 



the year 1715 marks the death of King Louis XIV, - Le Roi Solieil - whose kingdom had brought significant changes in the cultural landscape of France - some of the greatest artists and literary authors, from Molière to Rigaud, prospered during the period of his domination - and its political position within Europe, bringing the fashion industry to its peak by encouraging the production of tapestries and the Lyon silk industry.
Also known as a great patron, Le Roi Soleil was able to elevate his nation to a position of cultural domination that continued throughout his seventy-two years of reign.

Each designer then chose the historical period that inspired him most, referring to paintings and fashion prints of the era for which he had opted, giving life to an authentic masterpiece that knows no economic value and, at that time, La Syndicale de la Couture de Paris donated the entire collection to the Brooklyn Museum so that all the mannequins could remain united and be appreciated for what they are: a singular example of French craftsmanship and design ingenuity that is still admired and preserved today by The Metropolitan Museum of Art which holds the copyright of each of the images I am going to show you.

The fabrics used to create these miniature mannequins were donated by the Union des Industries Textiles, the Fédération de la Soire, the Comité Central de la Laine, the Syndicale Général de l'Industrie Cotonnière, and the Négociants en tissus speciaux pour la Haute Couture.

For sure this was a unique moment in the history of French fashion.

And here you are the miniatures I think to be the most charming ...



"1733 Doll", Jean Bader (French)




"1755 Doll", A.Reichert (French)




"1774 Doll", Jean Dessès (French)




"1779 Doll", Lucille Manguin (French)




"1785 Doll", Maggy Rouff (French)




"1787 Doll", Mendel (French)




"1811 Doll", House of Paquin (French)




"1820 Doll", House of Patou (French)




"1828 Doll", Henriette Beaujeu (French)




"1830 Doll", Madeleine de Rauch (French)




"1832 Doll", Marcelle Dormoy (French)




"1866 Doll", Marcelle Chaumont (French)




"1867 Doll", Jacques Fath (French)




"1873 Doll", Madeleine Vramant (French)




"1876 Doll", Jacques Heim (French)




"1884 Doll", Nina Ricci (Italian-born French fashion designer)




"1888 Doll", House of Balmain (French)




"1892 Doll", Germaine Lecomte (French)




"1896 Doll", Bruyère (French)




"1902 Doll", Robert Piguet (French)




"1906 Doll", Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian)



But it was also an unforgettable moment for the inhabitants of New York, who organized a great parade to welcome the freight cars that, through the Atlantic, on the merchant ship Magellan, after leaving the port of Le Havre, reached on February 3rd, 1949 that of New York: over two hundred thousand people attended the celebrations organized there to welcome the whole train, but above all the New York wagon that was transported from Broadway to Manhattan accompanied by an authentic festivity.

Once the United States were reached, the freight cars were divided according to the location of the states that they had to reach and took directions to the South, the West and the New England and put on open freight cars, ie without shores, since the wagons of the Gratitude Train were too large for the size of the railway tracks that ran through the States.

Every single state organized committees that cataloged the contents of their wagon and many were donated to charity auctions, while others were destined to libraries and museums.



Even today our time is over, but I hope, with all my heart,

 to have, once again, entertained you pleasantly ...

it's always a joy for me to have you here,

dear readers and friends!


See you soon 💕








SOURCES:


WIKIPEDIA (links HERE and HERE)


WEB as for the images









Correva l'anno 1948: tutta l'Europa occidentale, forte degli aiuti previsti dal Piano Marsahall, meglio conosciuto negli States come "European Recovery Program", ma ancora in via di ricostruzione dopo aver pagato duramente lo scotto conseguito dal secondo conflitto mondiale, quando la Francia, che, non diversamente dagli altri paesi, ancora stava risalendo la china, decise di ricompensare l'America: 
lo stato, ma soprattutto la popolazione 
che anche era accorsa in suo aiuto.




- immagine 1 - Collage che rappresenta la moda del XVIII°, del XIX° e del XX° secolo





Il treno dell'amicizia - "Friendship Train" - composto di ben settecento vagoni (il progetto originario ne prevedeva ottanta!) ricolmi di aiuti umanitari per un ammontare complessivo di 40 milioni di dollari, era partito da New York l'anno prima, dopo avere fatto il giro delle singole contee statunitensi, per raggiungere Le Havre il 18 dicembre 1947.
L'idea era stata di Drew Pearson, giornalista politico e noto personaggio radiofonico, mosso da compassione per i danni che soprattutto Francia ed Italia avevano subito durante la guerra.

L'anno successivo i popoli francese ed italiano, mossi all'azione da questo gesto di buona volontà e desiderosi di esprimere la propria gratitudine, seguirono il suggerimento di un veterano ed ex ferroviere di nome André Picard, dando vita al  "Gratitude Train" o "Merci Train", il treno della riconoscenza: lo componevano 49 vagoni merci, uno per ogni stato - Washington D.C. ed il Territorio delle Hawaii avrebbero condiviso il quarantanovesimo vagone - ed anche questo, così come accadde per l'American Friendship Train, era un progetto fondato sulla generosità delle singole persone.

Le genti furono incoraggiate a donare quanto potevano: i bambini creavano disegni o sacrificavano amati giocattoli; le donne donavano centrini fatti a mano e portaceneri fatti di specchi rotti, cibo, lavori di cucito, pupazzi per bambini, lettere, medaglie di guerra; gli uomini recavano vino, libri, mobili e giocattoli fatti in casa. 
E le donazioni furono talmente abbondanti che più di novemila doni rimasero in Francia.
Ogni vagone e ogni dono al suo interno era etichettato con l'emblema del Gratitude Train, l'immagine di un treno visto di fronte cui erano stati aggiunti dei fiori a simboleggiare i campi delle Fiandre.

Ma va detto che, con gli umili doni di singoli individui, furono incluse opere d'arte e manufatti storici inestimabili: vennero creati dagli stilisti, a quel tempo più famosi per le loro realizzazioni, 49 modelli alti 24 pollici (61 cm. ca), autentiche bambole costruite con filo di ferro sapientemente modellato, con tanto di acconciature d'epoca fatte di capelli veri, abbigliate con abiti i cui dettagli furono rispettati come in quelli a dimensioni reali, riproducenti modelli che andavano dal 1715 al 1906.

E non è un caso che il primissimo manichino rechi proprio quella data: 





- immagine 2 - “1715 Doll”, Marcel Rochas (French)





il 1715 segna la morte di Re Luigi XIV, il Re Sole - Le Roi Solieil -, il cui regno aveva determinato cambiamenti significativi nel panorama culturale della Francia - alcuni dei più grandi artisti e autori letterari, da Molière a Rigaud, prosperarono durante il periodo del suo dominio - e la sua posizione politica all'interno dell'Europa, portando all'apice l'industria della moda attraverso l'incoraggiamento della produzione di arazzi e dell'industria della seta di Lione.
Conosciuto anche come grande mecenate, il Re Sole fu in grado di elevare la sua nazione in una posizione di dominio culturale che continuò ben oltre i suoi settantadue anni di regno.

Ogni stilista scelse quindi il periodo storico che più lo ispirava, rifacendosi a dipinti e a stampe di moda dell'epoca per cui aveva optato, dando vita ad un autentico capolavoro che non conosce valore economico e, a quel tempo, La Syndicale de la Couture di Parigi fece dono dell'intera collezione al Museo di Brooklyn in modo che tutti i manichini potessero rimanere uniti ed essere apprezzati per quello che sono: un singolare esempio di artigianato francese ed ingegno progettuale che ancora oggi viene ammirato e conservato dal The Metropolitan Museum of Art che detiene il copyright di ciascuna delle immagini che sto per mostrarvi.

I tessuti utilizzati per creare questi manichini in miniatura furono donati dall' Union des Industries Textile, dalla Fédération de la Soire, dal Comité Central de la Laine, dal Syndicale Général de l’Industrie Cotonnière, e dai Négociants en tissus speciaux pour la Haute Couture.


Vi basti sapere che quello fu un momento unico nella storia della moda francese.

Ed eccovi i modelli che ritengo essere più affascinanti ...




- immagine 3 - "1733 Doll", Jean Bader (French)


- immagine 4 - "1755 Doll", A.Reichert (French)


- immagine 5 - "1774 Doll", Jean Dessès (French)


- immagine 6 - "1779 Doll", Lucille Manguin (French)


- immagine 7 - "1785 Doll", Maggy Rouff (French)


- immagine 8 - "1787 Doll", Mendel (French)


- immagine 9 - "1811 Doll", House of Paquin (French)


- immagine 10 - "1820 Doll", House of Patou (French)


- immagine 11 - "1828 Doll", Henriette Beaujeu (French)


- immagine 12 - "1830 Doll", Madeleine de Rauch (French)


- immagine 13 - "1832 Doll", Marcelle Dormoy (French)


- immagine 14 - "1866 Doll", Marcelle Chaumont (French)


- immagine 15 - "1867 Doll", Jacques Fath (French)


- immagine 16 - "1873 Doll", Madeleine Vramant (French)


- immagine 17 - "1876 Doll", Jacques Heim (French)


- immagine 18 - "1884 Doll", Nina Ricci (Italian-born French fashion designer)


- immagine 19 - "1888 Doll", House of Balmain (French)


- immagine 20 - "1892 Doll", Germaine Lecomte (French)


- immagine 21 - "1896 Doll", Bruyère (French)


- immagine 22 - "1902 Doll", Robert Piguet (French)


- immagine 23 - "1906 Doll", Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian)





Ma fu un momento indimenticabile anche per gli abitanti di New York, i quali organizzarono una grandiosa parata per accogliere i vagoni merci che, attraverso l'Atlantico, sulla nave mercantile Magellan, dopo aver lasciato il porto di Le Havre, raggiunsero il 3 febbraio del 1949 quello di New York: oltre duecentomila persone assistettero alle celebrazioni ivi organizzate per dare il benvenuto all'intero treno, ma soprattutto al vagone di New York che venne trasportato da Broadway a Manhattan accompagnato da un'autentica parata.

Una volta raggiunti gli Stati Uniti, i vagoni merci furono divisi in base alla collocazione degli stati che dovevano raggiungere e presero direzioni verso il Sud, l'Ovest e verso il New England e messi su carri merci aperti, ossia senza sponde, poiché i vagoni originari del Gratitude Train erano troppo larghi per le dimensioni delle rotaie della rete ferroviaria che percorreva gli 'States'.

Ogni singolo stato organizzò comitati addetti alla catalogazione del contenuto del proprio vagone e molti furono i doni messi all'asta per beneficenza, mentre altri furono destinati a biblioteche e musei.



Anche oggi il nostro tempo è terminato, ma mi auguro, con tutto il cuore,

 di avervi, ancora una volta, intrattenuti piacevolmente ... 

è sempre una gioia per me avervi qui, 

carissimi lettori ed amici!



A presto 💕








SOURCES:


WIKIPEDIA (links QUI e QUI)

WEB per le immagini



67 commenti:

  1. What a beautiful display of fashion through the history!
    I am glad that we haven't to wear such costumes now - but they are beautiful to see!
    Happy week for you!
    A beautiful blog!
    Love the music as well - so calming!

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ froebelsterchen Susi
      I welcome you with such a big hug, your so beautiful words seem to make my day a bit brighter, thank you, sweetest friend of mine!

      Trusting you're enjoying a lovely week so far,
      I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you ♡❤♡

      Elimina
  2. Hello Dani,
    What a great historical fashion post you have put together. I must say that most gowns look so uncomfortable, i would love to wear the first one from 1715 as it looks the least constrictive!
    Jesse

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Jesse
      I'm so glad to read that you loved it!
      Yes, for sure the dress you'd like to wear is the less constrictive, but I think it's quite heavy ... it's in brocade of silk, a fabric much used amongst the well-to-do ladies of the XVIIIth century.

      Thanking you wholeheartedly,
      I'm sending blessings across the many miles ♥∗✿*✿∗♥

      Elimina
  3. Daniela carissima sono delle bamboline stupende. Che eleganza e che finezza. Vestiti strepitosi, uno più bello dell'altro, altro che Barbie! Che dev'essere possederne qualcuna.
    Incantevoli davvero.
    Ti mando un caldo abbraccio in questo martedì che ci vede sommersi dalla neve e dal ghiaccio
    Susanna

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Susanna
      sì, altro che Barbie, e poi questi sono autentici capolavori, di dimensioni piuttosto notevoli, per giunta,... 61 cm. non sono pochi!
      Come sicuramente avrai letto il loro valore è inestimabile e nessun privato ne possiede una, sono tutte riunite insieme al Metropolitan Museum of Art di New York, una saggia decisione, a mio avviso, che rende tutti coloro che possono e vogliono capaci di poter godere dell'opportunità di vederle tutte insieme, conservate in ottimo stato, inoltre.

      Ti abbraccio con tutto il cuore ...
      stai al caldo mia dolce,
      si sta preparando una nuova ondata di gelo e neve,
      stando alle previsioni!

      Un bacione ⊰✽*♥*✽⊱

      Elimina
  4. Beautiful Daniela as always! Loved the history of fashion too! Hope you're doing well! Hugs, Jody

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Jody
      what a blessing having you here today, precious friend!

      With utmost gratitude,
      I'm sending my dearest and warmest hug across the many miles,
      thank you once again ಌ❀ಌ

      Elimina
  5. QUE PRECIOSOS Y ELEGANTES!!11
    UNA EPOCA MUY LINDA.
    SALUDITOS

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Alicia
      I welcome you with my warmest hug and thank you wholeheartedly!

      Sending you all my love,
      with utmost gratitude ❥

      Elimina
  6. They are all so very beautiful, but I like that last one the best. When I was young and thin this would have been a favorite to wear. Most elegant.

    Have a fabulous day, Dany. ♥

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Sandee
      lovely friend of mine, the one you do prefer is amongst the most elegant, though I've to admit that I woldn't be able to choose!

      In the hope you're enjoying a great week,
      I'm sending blessings of joy on your coming days,
      thank you for being so supportive ⊰✽*♥*✽⊱

      Elimina
  7. Wow, they are all so beautiful...But my absolute favourite is the 1755 doll. What a precious collection.

    Love to you,
    Andrea

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Andrea
      it's a precious collection and their meaning is absolutely priceless, isn't it?

      Wishing you much joy for your day,
      I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you,
      always thinking of you with so much love *•♥♥•*

      Elimina
  8. Absolutely exquisite works of art, aren't they? Thank you! This was truly beautiful! Wishing you well1

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Cathy Keller
      your words of sincere appreciation fill my heart, thank you, dear friend!

      ⊰♥⊱ Wishing you too all my best ⊰♥⊱

      Elimina
  9. Risposte
    1. @ Sheltie Times
      I heartily thank you, dearest friend, both for visiting and for commenting, and I so appreciate your words of enjoyment!

      Sending my dearest and warmest hug across the many miles ♡ஐ♡

      Elimina
  10. ..."Gratitude Train" what a wonderful idea. Thanks for teaching me about this bit of history. Fashion certainly has changed over the years! Thanks Dany for sharing this week, I hope to see you back again.

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Tom
      it's such a delight to welcome you here, my friend, your so beautiful words always seem to make my day much brighter, I heartily thank you!

      Trusting you're having a wonderful week so far,
      I'm sending blessings on your coming days ಌ•❤•ಌ

      Elimina
  11. Hello dear Daniela!
    Thank you for your lovely words for me on my blog - and thank you for following - I am your newest follower now as well!
    See you soon !
    ♥♥♥
    Love from Austria to Italy !
    So nice to have your found in blogland!

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ froebelsternchen Susi
      so glad to read that you're from Austria, I have Austrian ancient roots since my great-grandmoher on my father's side belonged to the Belcredi family and when I'm in your so wonderful Land I feel at home, I so love you all and your temper, your sense of hospitality, your goodness of heart which we meet in a person seldom more and more, alas, blessed be!

      Sincerely honoured by having you amongst my blog-friends,
      I'm sending my dearest love to you ❥

      Elimina
  12. Che splendore ! e quanto sto imparando dalla lettura dei tuoi post Grazie di dedicare parte del tuo tempo a questa meraviglia di blog, che seguo col cuore!
    Franca

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Franca
      le tue parole mi toccano il cuore e quasi mi commuovono, te ne sono talmente grata, carissima!

      Mi stringo a te in un forte, dolcissimo abbraccio,
      che possa esprimerti tutto ciò che provo per te ♡❤♡

      Elimina
  13. Che bambole meravigliose! Ma i loro vestiti mi hanno particolarmente colpita, sono davvero stupendi
    Bacioni

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Alessandra
      le bambole sono davvero incantevoli, hai ragione mia cara, ma la storia che sta loro dietro è talmente commovente per me ... è bello ricordare che alle nostre spalle vi siano stati tali momenti di solidarietà, non trovi?

      Ti invio un bacione, grande ... grande come non mai,
      grazie per essere sempre così presente con il cuore ♥∗✿∗♥

      Elimina
  14. Dear Dany, what a beautiful and touching story of gratitude and such stunning pieces of art! Thank you for sharing dear, it was a pleasure to read and see :) Wishing you a beautiful week and sending you big hugs and love, xx

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Wen Sylvestre
      you cannot imagine the joy you're giving me with your words both of appreciation and enjoyment, you truly bless this so cold evening of mine, I'm sincerely grateful to you for it, Dearest One!

      Wishing you a most lovely remainder of your week
      and a beautiful month of March ❀≼♥≽❀

      Elimina
  15. Such a lovely idea, the Gratitude Train. The dolls are beautiful yet i am so glad i do not have to wear any of those fashions!

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ messymimi
      I 'm so glad that you appreciate the topic of this last article of mine, Dearie!

      With sincere thankfulness,
      I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you *•♥♥•*

      Elimina
  16. You did your history, I never hear of that train and nothing about the dolls you showed. Amazing skill went into those.

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Bill Nichols
      you said it, my friend, they are real artworks, I'm truly glad to read your appreciation in your words!

      Wishing you all my best for the remainder of your week,
      ღ thank you once again ღ

      Elimina
  17. Grazie per questo bell'excursus sulla moda d'epoca e anche per l'interessante storia. Un piacere leggerti!

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte

    1. @ Italiafinlandia
      grazie carissima, non immagini la gioia di cui mi fai dono con le tue bellissime parole!

      Un bacio a te dolce Luisella,
      e ancora grazie, grazie di cuore *♥*✥*♥*

      Elimina
  18. Hello Dany,
    This post is just so amazing, and I admire all the work, you have done, to be able to show us all these adorable outfits, and tell their stories. I would love to wear the 1867 green fabulous coat :-) . Thank you, and greetings from Dorthe

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Dorthe
      your words of praise are the most beautiful gift you can present me, they sound like a sweet music to my heart, believe me!
      I care my blog with so much passion, and when I happen to read such comments like yours, well, my passion is increasing more and more, thank you, sweet friend!

      Wishing you well,
      and hope to have you soon following ~ My little old world ~ ✿⊱╮

      Elimina
  19. I am always grateful and amazed at how much I learn when I visit your blog. Today, in addition to being grateful I am feeling a bit guilty because I knew nothing of the train. I knew a little about the Marshal Plan, but only a little. The gratitude train was a great show of friendship between countries (and a good reminder of a time in history when US leadership was thought well of; I pray such a time will come again soon.)

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Sallie (FullTime-Life)
      Dearie, you have no reason why feeling guilty about, we cannot know everything about everything ... you also are a human being, aren't you :)?
      Indeed, I so love your words of appreciation, it is I who am so much grateful for this so cherished friendship of ours, made of admiration, thankfulness, support, and much more, linking us in spite of the many miles which are separating us!

      Sending blessings on the end of your week,
      with utmost gratitude ❥

      Elimina
  20. These beautiful dolls are an amazing portrait of fashion history and the story behind them is wonderful, too. The detail is exquisite, right down to the little hats and shoes. I had no knowledge of the gratitude train or all that went into the generosity of each country after such a terrible time in history. Thank you for sharing these wonderful dolls and the history behind them, dear Daniella. Wishing you a lovely week. Hugs xo Karen

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Karen
      thank you for gracing my blog today, lovely lady, both with your precious presence and your so beautiful words!

      Wishing you a most lovely weekend and month of March too,
      always thinking of you with much love ಌ•❤•ಌ

      Elimina
  21. Oh wow I can't imagine all that went into carrying out filling these trains and then getting them to all the states. This collection of dolls is just amazing and I am so glad that they were preserved. My favorite is the 1799 one, I think I like the small flower print with the solid and all the ruffles! Great post I didn't know anything about this.

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Conniecrafter
      actually I'm glad to tell you something you didn't know yet, you feed my passion and enthusiasm more and more!

      With sincere thankfulness,
      I'm sending my dearest love to you ༺♡❀♡༻

      Elimina
  22. Oh, Dany, these dresses absolutely take my breath away.
    I have been scrolling up and down here for some time now, and each time they seem more beautiful to me.

    Thank you so very much for this wonderful post, sweet friend.

    Sending you hugs from across the ocean.

    xo.

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Lisa Gordon
      I have no words which to express the joy you're giving me with with your words of enthusiasm, I thank you wholeheartedly!

      Hoping you had a lovely week,
      I'm sending my dearest and warmest hug across the many miles ⊰✽*♥*✽⊱

      Elimina
  23. Dear Daniela,
    This was an awesome post with so much beauty And information! It was exciting to visit and read of these beautiful amazing dolls and costumes. Giving us a window into the fashions of the past~ (I loved the hat on the 1830 doll; with the riding cane in her hand.) Thnk you for sharing, Hugs, karen o

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Roosterhead Designs
      I welcome you with so much joy, new friend of mine, I'm sincerely honored by having you following ~ My little old world ~ ... and so love reading what are the dolls you do prefer!

      In the hope not to disppoint you with the flowing of time,
      ஜ I'm sending hugs and more hugs to you ஜ

      Elimina
  24. I had never heard of the Gratitude Train, what an amazing idea. Those dolls are quite fascinating, such a different way of living, I'm not sure I'd have been up for all the fancy fuss and palaver of getting dressed in the morning for sure.
    With hugs to you for bringing this time in history alive for us.
    Wren x

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte
    1. @ Wren
      you're always so, so heartily welcome, Dearest One, and your beautiful words never miss to bless my heart, thank you!

      Wishing you all my best for your month of March ✿⊱╮

      Elimina
  25. I can only imagine what one of these dolls in god condition would be worth today!

    RispondiElimina
    Risposte

    1. @ David Gascoigne
      ... I do agree with you, sweet friend ... just think at how much the value of the whole collection could be ... I think it's not possible to estimate it, for sure!

      Sending my dearest hug across the miles ♡❤♡

      Elimina
  26. Thank you for your kind comments recently on my blog. This post is amazing. With each doll, I said to myself - that is my favorite - I probably said it 10 times by the end! I would not mind having some of those dresses in my closet!

    RispondiElimina
  27. What an amazing post. So much to see and learn. Loved going through it again and again Daniela. Thank you for sharing. Hugs Sujatha:)

    RispondiElimina
  28. I would be late for work every single day if I had to dress like that :-) But it sure is pretty.
    Amalia
    xo

    RispondiElimina
  29. dear Daniela,

    Loved all the gorgeous clothes on the dolls and can only imagine how wonderful it would be wearing these glamorous dresses for a night out. Thanks for sharing.
    Happy new week dear friend
    hugs
    Carolyn

    RispondiElimina
  30. Thanks for sharing these beautiful dolls each one a delight. Happy Mosaic Monday

    much love...

    RispondiElimina
  31. A beautiful beguiling story, so much that I never knew about, I love learning from you dear Daniela. The mannequins are truly gorgeous and I would certainly like to see them in New York, maybe one day?
    Happy Mosaic Monday.

    RispondiElimina
  32. I had not heard of the Gratitude Train until now. What a sweet story. The fashion dolls are exquisite. I can imagine how beautiful the fabrics are.
    Many thanks, Dani, for another interesting post.

    RispondiElimina
  33. Those dolls are gorgeous. It so cool to see the different fashion from various years. I am however glad we don't dress that way now. Those gowns had to be heavy & cumbersome.

    RispondiElimina
  34. Another beautiful post, Dani! The dolls are amazing. I think I like fashion better now ... I would be way too hot in these beautiful clothes! Ha!

    RispondiElimina
  35. What a fabulous story! I never even knew about this, I don't remember learning about it in history class...what a neat story! The dolls are beautiful ~ I love the one with the fur cape. Thanks so much for sharing with Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen

    RispondiElimina
  36. Thanks for sharing another wonderful post, as always, Dany !
    Hope you're having a lovely week !
    Hugs to you, my friend !
    Sylvia

    RispondiElimina
  37. Dany,

    What beautiful Victorian dolls! I have plans to sketch another Victorian woman for the A to Z Challenge next month. *fingers crossed* I"m fascinated with drawing women. :) Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

    RispondiElimina
  38. Wow, that's an awesome story. Those dolls are gorgeous!

    RispondiElimina
  39. OMG ..What a fabulous history of dolls and fashion... To be beautiful takes a little bit of sacrifice as in corsets etc... but oh how elegant the costumes are. I would love to be wearing one of these outstanding creations so where in time( Ha Ha)
    The Gratitude Train is a fascinating story that I will come back to read again and again...Thank you for so kindly sharing your research and knowledge.

    RispondiElimina
  40. Dany, I have never heard of this before. What a wonderful idea for both continents to do. The dolls are magnificent. So very elegant and beautiful. Thank you so much for offering this story -- I may have to do a little follow-up research and see where some of these lovely gifts landed.

    RispondiElimina
  41. cara dolce dany
    non conoscevo la storia del treno dell amicizia..
    che spettacolo di bambole nate con semplicità in segno di gratitudine e divenute vere e proprie opere d arte...
    ti auguro una dolce notte e approfitto per augurarti una serena pasqua se non ci dovessimo sentire prima

    daniela

    RispondiElimina

I THANK YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND WORDS, SO PRECIOUS TO ME.