Today after school I went to visit my friend Donna. She had commented that she had a doll collection when she saw the post of Barbara’s dolls last week. I asked her if I could come over and photograph her collection.
Here’s a painting of her Grandmother – Anna Kugler, born in Germany est. 1884 according to the 1940 census I was able to find. The artist is Donna’s Uncle Francis, Anna’s son. There are two more paintings he painted. The snowy back yard with the bird feeder is Donna’s parents backyard.
1940 Census found online.
Painted by Francis Kugler
Donna’s Aunt , Sister Evarista, created this nun doll c. 1950. The clothes are made from an acutal whipple and habit from the Order of St. Joseph.
Uncle Charles Goodall, Donna’s father’s brother, brought back the Koala bear from Australia in WW II.
Bride Doll used at showers for decoration
Ruthe – that is a fabulous post. The paintings and dolls are wonderful and what a great family history. The outfits on the dolls are amazing. And I’m not just saying that because it’s Donna. I must go see that collection some day!!!!!
I love these personal details about a family’s history. Too much is lost….
Thank you so much for sharing so much of my family history. These pictures are beautiful!! Thanks again for coming for a visit. Anytime!
Beautiful post, Ruth. Francis’ paintings, especially the portrait and the porch scene, remind me of my mother’s work. She was a professional artist who could make a person jump off the canvas with life. The balance in the other painting, with that tree,resembles many of my mother’s landscape and subject paintings. Then we turn to your lovely needlework, and there again I see Mom knitting away by the fire. Thank you for sharing your family memories and rekindling my own. 🙂
Ruth, I am Jewish but I love the nun doll. 🙂
Goodness those are unusual, wonderful history!
They are all beautiful or fascinating. However, the bottom doll spoke to me- love the feelings the costumes inspire.
Such a creative family. Wonderful collection. 🙂
I have to admit that the nun doll kinda freaks me out; but the juxtaposition of the first doll against the portrait of Donna’s grandmother is pretty cool. When I was a kid, I visited a woman in a nursing home who was born in 1884 (she lived to be 103 years old); tremendous.
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