Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum

The Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum is a hidden treasure located inside the Ardmore Public Library. The collection was donated to the library in 1971 by the niece of Oklahoma's second governor, Lee J. Cruce. The exhibit features over 300 rare and antique dolls representing a wide range of historical periods from the United States and Europe.

When the collection was opened, a collection catalog was published, as were a set of postcards. The postcards are shown below, both front and back.

Photo of French dolls from the EC Hall Doll Collection
Back of postcard describing the three French dolls

Very rare French character dolls, Carved wood, sexed. Circa 1870. Said to be played with by Marie Antoinette and adults of the royal court. Princess Lambelle, H. 16"; Duc de Provence, H. 13" (later Louis XVII); and Duc d'Artois, H. 13", right. Original clothing. Exhibited at the Exposition des Costumes Anciens held in Paris at the Musee des Arts De'coratifs, 1909.

Photo of English Pedlar doll from the EC Hall Doll Collection
Back of postcard describing the English pedlar doll

English pedlar doll, circa 1830. Composition. H. 9". Over 150 items - needles, dust pans, song sheets, cameos, men's leather gloves, tiny jars labeled "Bear's Grease" and "Pomade Divine", baskets, ribbons, pictures, books ("Gangster Road to Ruin", Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", to "Loveable Surprise: Honeymood") are in her tray or hang from her waist.

Photo of Parian doll from the EC Hall Doll Collection
Back of postcard describing the Parian doll

Grey-headed Parian. Circa 1830. H. 16". Unmarked. Unusual gold-beaded headdress, gold lace work with molded gold cross on breastplate. Pierced ears, leather arms, fabric legs and body, flat-heeled shoes. Original clothing.