Hidden Treasure in the Attic

Through our years of historic restoration, we've found some really cool things tucked inside of walls, under old foundations, buried under shrubs, you never know what you may discover during a project on an old house.

While installing the cable and electricity for the TV project, hubby was trying to run wires through the ceiling of our bedroom and was accessing it from an undisturbed part of the attic floor. There, under some old floor boards, he noticed the edge of something sticking out. He pulled up a couple boards, and was surprised to find a long slender box that was covered in a mound of dust. It was taped shut, so he stopped what he was doing and brought it downstairs so we could check it out.

I was so excited when I saw the box, with just a smidge of anxiety.....what was in the box?

Inside the box, wrapped in newspapers dated 1953 was a large doll, and I mean large! She measures about 30" tall and looks like a life size 2-3 year old toddler.

Our home is a registered Texas Historic Landmark that was built in 1880 and originally owned by a widow with 10 daughters. The house remained in that family until 1967, so, it's no shock that we've found quite a few doll parts over the past years, but never anything even close to this!

We've been unable to find any markings on her, but the box has a faint label that reads, "Madame Georgene Doll". And another label on an interior box that reads "Wonder Dolls". We're not certain if she was the doll that was originally in this box, but she fits in it perfectly. She has a cloth body and there is a cylinder that I can feel under her tummy. I'm curious what kind of mechanism it is, but I wouldn't dare cut her cloth to find out. She didn't have any clothes so I found her a vintage gown and hat to wear in the meantime.



This little girl's condition is pretty rough. Her face is quite cracked and crazed, she's missing a few fingers, and her hair is a mess, but I think she is so lovely. It makes me smile to think about how many little girls must have loved her in years past. Old items tell stories without speaking a word......I love that. Does anyone else do that...sense the history of antique item?

We've officially adopted her and gave her the name, Georgy Girl. Her name was inspired by the box label and a song that I remember from my childhood. Okay, I know.....I'm dating myself!

Georgy Girl was posing for a photo on the front porch swing when she caught the attention of George, our 11 year old rescue kitty, and Zeek our 10 year old Golden. Perhaps they thought she was the latest rescue!

They really tried to make her feel welcome. I think they thought she was a real child!