Personal Preamble to Barbie Story
In the 45 years since Barbie has lived in my house and we have gone our separate ways, I have noticed a couple of things. Barbie is doing much, much better in life than I am.The cars, boats, houses, furniture. The clothes. Face it, Barbie has good stuff. And, careers galore! Is there anything she can't do?
But what I find really, really annoying...
None of HER moving parts seem to be drifting southward with middle age.
*NEWS FLASH*
Barbie turned 50 years old on March 9th, 2009.
She was seen filling out an AARP application today. When questioned however she flatly denied the rumors and stated for the record that she is only 39.
The Barbie Story
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The First Barbie Known to Collectors as #1 (left) |
Barbie was the inspiration of Ruth Handler, founder with her husband Elliot, founders of Mattel.
Barbie as not their first success. In 1955, the Handlers bought 52 weeks of advertising on the new "Mickey Mouse Club" television show, marking the first time toys had been advertised on a year-round basis. In conjunction with the company's sponsorship of the show, Mattel introduced a child-size"Mouseguitar," which became an instant sensation in the industry.
 Lili Doll |
As the story goes, Ruth Handler saw these kinda sexy German Lili (pictured left) dolls in Europe but wanted her doll to be a model of bubbly teenage innocence. But with the same curvaceous look. (39-18-33 in human terms.) |
She named the doll after her daughter Barbara's nickname - Barbie. Ruth knew her girls and dolls. In 1959, its first year, 351,000 Barbie dolls were sold at $3 each. Had you saved that doll, in the box no less, it would be worth over $5,000 today.
The first Barbie doll sported a ponytail hairstyle, black and white zebra-striped bathing suit, open-toed shoes, sunglasses and gold-colored hoop earrings. She had 2 holes in her feet because her stand required them and stood 11 1/2 inches tall. She is identified as #1 by collectors.
She had white irises, red lipstick and nails, and arched eyebrows. Blondes outnumbered brunettes two to one.
 Barbie - 2 Provisional  |
Later that year, #2 was released and as her stand didn't require them, she had no foot holes. A Provisional #2 (left) exists with only 1 foot hole. |
