this is thought to be the oldest existing ragdoll in north america: Bangwell Putt, great name!
Clarissa Field of Northfield, Massachusetts, was born blind in 1765. This doll was made for her and she fancifully named it Bangwell Putt. Bangwell lacks facial features but her ten carefully constructed fingers suggest the importance of touch in Clarissa’s world. Bangwell has a homespun body and is dressed in 18th century fashion, including corset. Clarissa kept Bangwell until she died in her eighties. Bangwell Putt is thought to be the oldest surviving rag doll in North America.
i love this website, and how you can zoom in!
it’s wonderful and what a beautiful story!
Amazing – in so many ways….
My husband and Iooked at the picture of this doll for a long time. She was clearly so well-loved and very well constructed. She is just wonderful. Thanks for finding her!
Hello,
This is wonderful! And, yes, what a great name too!
cheers, gracia
Hi,
I’m so intrequed with this doll. I’ve made some ragdolls… but his one is so interesting and I’d like to know more about her… has anyone tried to reproduce her? Is there a more detailed discription of her?
Do you know any more?
Awed,
Shari
A children’s picture book, “The Journey of Bangwell Putt,” http://www.amazon.com/journey-Bangwell-Putt-Mariana/dp/B0007E4JV0/sr=1-1/qid=1167473367/ref=sr_1_1/002-0155043-4279234?ie=UTF8&s=books is an imaginative account of Bangwell’s trip to New York for a museum exhibition loan. This book is a treasure and ought to be reprinted and cherished as a classic!