Caroline Doll
Artifact IDMO 2019.10.2
Object Type
Doll
Date
1962
Maker
Madame Alexander Doll Company, Inc.
(American, Founded 1923)
Medium
Plastic, silk, wig fiber, felt, metal
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 6 1/4 in (35.6 cm x 15.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionCaroline Kennedy Madame Alexander doll. The doll is made of molded plastic with jointed knees. Doll has a blonde wig. The doll is dressed in a light pink corduroy suit. The jacket has 3 buttons and a collar; with matching pants. The doll also wears a light pink corduroy hat with chin strap, cotton floral undergarment, and tan lace up shoes.
Historical Note“Some new ‘Kennedys’ have arrived in Washington” read a Washington Post article introducing readers to the 1962 holiday season creations by famed doll-maker Beatrice “Madame” Alexander--the Caroline and Jacqueline dolls, complete with clothing ensembles. “Hundreds of play situations can be devised: life in the White House, state visits, press conferences, foreign tours, with fresh inspiration in each day’s headlines!”
Articles about the dolls prompted unwanted attention from the White House. Although Madame Alexander claimed in a letter to JFK's press secretary Pierre Salinger that the dolls were not modeled on the Kennedys, Salinger protested that "there can be no doubt that they are facsimiles of Mrs. Kennedy and Caroline" and asked that the company re-name the figures. In the end, sales proved mediocre, causing Madame Alexander to quip "Maybe...there are more Republicans than has been figured."
Additional DetailsArticles about the dolls prompted unwanted attention from the White House. Although Madame Alexander claimed in a letter to JFK's press secretary Pierre Salinger that the dolls were not modeled on the Kennedys, Salinger protested that "there can be no doubt that they are facsimiles of Mrs. Kennedy and Caroline" and asked that the company re-name the figures. In the end, sales proved mediocre, causing Madame Alexander to quip "Maybe...there are more Republicans than has been figured."
Custodial History NoteItem was purchased by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for exhibit.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Museum Purchase
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPost Presidential Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view