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About Us
       Interesting Facts about National

Original text submitted by Leona Peterson with revisions by Debbie Diaz

1.   Mary Lewis was an eclectic collector who appreciated all
       types of dolls.
2.   The first doll club consisted of eight women.
3.   National held its meetings in the Hotel Pennsylvania, which
       became the Hilton, and then at the NY Summit, prior to its
       current location at FIT (Fashion Institute if Technology).
4.   National was among the first clubs to accept men and
       minorities in its membership.
5.   Many distinguished doll artists have been members including
       Dorothy Heizer, Gertrude Florian, Bernard and Frances Ravca,
       Robert McKinley and R. John Wright.
6.   Joseph Floyd was our first male president.
7.   Robert Tonner was our second male president and is a
       renowned doll artist and designer.
8.   Barbara Steiker was the longest standing member (64 years)        until her death in July 2004, originally joining as a Junior
       Member in 1940 at the age of 15.
9.   Both Rosemary Sullivan and Loretta Nardone served as UFDC
       Regional Directors.
10. Maureen Herrod, Leona Peterson and Barbara Steiker all
       served as judges for UFDC Competitive Exhibits.
11. Krystyna Goddu was the first editor of "Dolls" magazine and is
       now a noted author of doll and bear books.
12. Velvalee Dickinson was our most notorious member. She was
       convicted of spying for the Japanese during WWII.
13. Viola Simms until her death in May 2001 was our unofficial
       Club Hospitality Hostess and keeper of our guest book for over
       20 years.
14. John Noble was the distinguished Curator of the Museum of
       the City of NY and wrote numerous articles and books on dolls.
15. Lenon Hoyte was the owner of "Aunt Len's Doll Museum"
       located in Harlem.
16. National has contributed to many charities throughout its
       years including St. Labre's Indian Home, Albanian Relief, Polio
       and other Children's Diseases Foundations.

We are a New York City based non-profit doll club organized expressly for charitable and educational purposes related to doll collecting.

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