In 1923, at the age of 28, Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman founded the Alexander Doll Company. Having grown up in her stepfather’s doll hospital on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she believed dolls should be played with and loved—without breaking like the porcelain dolls of her time, and without sacrificing details or quality. With her desire to make dolls that last along with her keen understanding of the value of doll play in teaching children kindness and compassion, Madame Alexander not only fulfilled her dream, but her dolls have been a part of American life for generations.

Madame was not just an artist, she was also a pioneer in a male-dominated business world. The American original introduced many toy industry firsts and even emerged from the Great Depression with a new, larger factory space. The dream of one hard working woman set the Alexander Doll Company on a flourishing path that still shapes the lives of children and collectors today.

This auction is for one Madame Alexander First Lady doll- Jane Findlay -(Jane Harrison's Paternal Aunt-a social adviser for President William Harrison, as she had previously lived in Washington, D.C as the wife of a congressman) Jane Harrison was married to William Harrison's son.  William Harrison's wife became ill and could not take the role as first lady.