This very old Story Book Doll from the 1940's-50's is "Maiden Gay" and is in original box. The doll is Bisque, painted face and black shoes, has pantaloons, fixed legs and jointed arms. Collectible. 

Donated by Arlene O'Callaghan

The history of Nancy Ann Dolls began in 1936 when Nancy Ann Abbott started her doll-making venture.  She is said to have started her company with $125, working from her apartment 16-18 hours per day.  In 1937, she took a partner named Allan "Les" Rowland to handle the promotion and financial matters.  Nancy Ann Dressed Dolls was incorporated on February 23, 1937 in San Francisco, California.  By 1942, the company claimed a million dollar gross yearly income, and, in the 1950s, top production of dolls reached 12,000 per day.   In late 1945, the company's name was changed to Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls Inc.

The first dolls made were small 3-3/4" bisque baby dolls from the "Hush-a-Bye" collection with the doll bodies made in Japan.  The 5" Storybook dolls began being produced in late 1936.  Doll bodies began being made in California in 1939.  Artists painted the facial features, therefore, giving each doll its own special look.  During the war years, the potteries made bisque cups, platters, and dishes for the Navy hospitals along with dolls.  The government felt the dolls were necessary for morale and demand for the dolls was high.  Many were sent by convoy to Hawaii where soldiers were able to buy the dolls and send them home to their loved ones.

By the late 1940s, the company was producing the largest doll volume in the nation.  However, in the 1950s and 1960s, as Nancy Ann's health began to fail, the company's production also slowed.  Nancy Ann Abbott, who had become known as "The Doll Lady" passed away in 1964.