My aunt went on, “I don’t know what will become of Sadie. Will you take her home with you and look after her?” “One day, I will,” I replied. But, for now, she can remain in quiet retirement. She has earned her rest.
Do you remember Sadie Rosemary? The family doll of long years and multiple identities?
Sadie Rosemary
About six weeks ago, I visited my aunt at her retirement home. She said it was time for me to take care of Sadie; to bring her home with me. The “one day” we spoke of, on previous occasions, had arrived. It was now. No excuses!
So, I swaddled Sadie in her orange shawl, gathered her close, like a newborn babe, and presented her to my aunt for a farewell kiss and, then, with tear-salted smiles, we were off. Off, by car, across the Plains, to begin another chapter in the Life of Sadie Rosemary. It will, most likely, be a staid chapter but Sadie won’t mind. She’s a patient, placid sort, used to sitting about, and letting what will be, be. And, in the process of sitting and being, she’s experienced an enormous amount of life; much more than you would believe by simply looking at her baby-sized self.
Sadie came to life in Japan in the 1920s. Still brand new, she was shipped out to New Zealand (much like any other settler of the early days), where she found a home in Papanui with two young girls, only a little older than herself. They all wore matching knitted dresses, home-made in New Zealand. 🙂
Pretending to ride a horse
Later, when the little girls grew up, one of them, the one with curly-whirly hair, went to Fiji, and Sadie eventually joined her, to be cared for by two more little girls; my sister and I. Sadie, being a celluloid doll, was not supposed to do well in the heat and moisture but, somehow, she survived more than twenty years in the tropics without exploding or disintegrating. Which meant that, one day, she was able to fly ( in a jet plane, no less! ) all the way back to New Zealand, where, after a certain amount of reverse culture shock, she settled down to a time of quiet contemplation, in the home of her very first companion, my aunt, ( the one with tidy hair and beautiful big bow). In a small, country town they grew old souls, together,
My aunt and Sadie; growing together
until that moment, last month, when my aunt said “Now, Sadie, NOW is the time for your next home”.
And, so, here she is, safely home, yet again. To a place where she is snug and content,
Sadie Rosemary, safely home, yet again
and as deeply loved as ever she was.
But quietly, quietly, I ask, ” Sadie, Rosemary, Sadie, who will take care of you next? ” And from the pale blue eyes there comes a whisper, “Patience, patience; the time is not yet.” Such wisdom from a doll of long years. 🙂
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silkannthreades 
So, so sweet! I want to give Sadie a cuddle too!
I have my childhood favourite (Bubba, a once pink, now grey bear with a glued on eye and partially burnt ear) with me in Stockholm. She has lived everywhere I have lived and seen me at my best and worst.
Oh, yes, our favourites have seen everything! Do you think L and Cupcake have found their ‘forever’ toys yet?
Cupcake has her blankie (which is her favourite thing right now) and L has the rather strangely named “Timandrhino”! I won a competition earlier this year and the prize was a toy dog made out of organic fabric scraps by a Swedish kids fashion label. Pretty cool, really. L, like his mama, is a Poh Ling Yeow fan. Poh has two Scotty dogs, one called Tim and one called Rhino. She posts lots of pictures of them on Instagram and L is a little besotted. So when I asked him what he wanted to call his new dog, he said “Timandrhino!” Timandrhino is the current favourite 🙂
Timandrhino sounds perfect. I adore Scotty dogs and had a toy one as a child. Actually it belonged to my brother but he allowed his sisters to inherit it. Such a good brother. 🙂 Blankies, although I didn’t ever have one, seem to be very satisfactory friends.
Sadie is a beautiful old doll. Your pictures and prose would make a divine picture book. It’s just the sort of one I’d have read to my daughter when she was younger (we have gone through so many books together). We have kept a vintage doll because it is able to wear my daughter’s old baby clothes. I’m hoping this doll will need to pack her bags one day to delight the heart of a grandchild.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
I hope your doll will have that adventure, too, one day. I think Sadie would say she has enjoyed, is still enjoying, hers. And look how young adventures will keep you. 😀 Wendy, I may make a wee book with Sadie’s story that I can keep near her. It would be fun for future generations to read . I may also check if any of the baby clothes I have kept would fit Sadie Rosemary. That’s a great idea.
I got the baby clothing idea from a friend who did that with her daughter. It was hard to find a doll that would work since they don’t seem to make them like they used to… I ended up bidding on an antique doll and got it for $20.00. It was for a charity. She didn’t age as graciously as your doll has. Hats help… My daughter just informed me that her doll’s name is Rose. ❀
$20.00 was a bargain. I am smiling that your daughter’s doll is called Rose. I have another doll, tucked away in the attic. She was given to me when I was about 5 or 6. Her name is Patricia Rosemary. Rose or Rosemary are good names for a doll.
Do write her story to carry with her. I have a doll buggy from the late 1920s and can’t remember the story behind it. There is also a doll in it with no story. I would really like to have them, and maybe, one day, my daughter will cherish it too. I’m going on a hunt for her background story.
Thanks for the encouragement. The pram we had with Sadie came to an end; it was not, despite its size, as enduring as the doll. Your doll and buggy would be of an age with my Sadie. Hope you can find out their story.
Amazing how good she looks. What did our dear furry friend think of his new room buddy? 🙂
He was completely perplexed, at first. She smelt human, looked human, but she didn’t move. Now she is just part of the furniture, as far as he is concerned.
That’s sooooooo cute 🙂
Sending hugs through the screen. In a non-creepy way.
Thank you! I will give Jack a special non-creepy hug.
Awwwwwwww… ❤
Oh, how I LOVE this story! So awesome. Sadie’s quite the adventurer! : )
My family isn’t very much into keeping things around, which makes me sad, but I believe in hanging onto a few precious things, like my raggedy life-sized stuffed animal rabbit my grandmother gave me when I was four. Bunny takes up a lot of room, but I can’t let it go!
I wouldn’t let Bunny go either. I still have my Bunny, Honey Bun. He must be at least 55 years old. Of rabbits; are you a fan of the Velveteen Rabbit which I mentioned in my Happiness in a Bag post? Or perhaps a fan of the bunnies in the books by Beatrix Potter, whose birthday it is today, 28 July? And then there is my favourite bunny story, “The Very Hungry Bunny and What He Found Out”, which is so old, I can’t even find a reference to it on the internet. 😦
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Velveteen Rabbit. Perhaps another reason why Bunny must remain in my life. : )
Agreed!
Yesterday a dear friend was telling me when she was 15 or so, her grandmother started giving her possessions away to family members as birthday, Christmas and other occasion gifts. She said one year for her birthday she received a bowl she loved and another her grandmother had picked out several photos and placed them in a box as a gift. I don’t have immediate family other than Tom so have started passing on to nieces and nephews as I believe is appropriate.
I think that is an excellent idea. My mother has gifted us various treasures of hers, in recent years. I need to start thinking about doing the same, but am finding the very thought of it hard.
It is hard. I have my Father’s saddle and although I no longer ride, I don’t want to part with it. I find it much harder to pass along my father’s and grandfather’s possessions than any of the household items such as antique dishes and linens. My fraternal Grandmother was a savvy business woman. About 2 years before she passed, she told everyone in the family that if they wanted anything of her’s and grandfather’s that they should use a plain piece of paper and write their name and amount they were willing to pay on it. Then, at the time she had to move out of her own place, the highest bidder prepared to pay cash would get the item. I lived far from home at the time but asked Dad to place my bids for me. I thought it was an interesting way to do things.
That is an intriguing way to pass on one’s treasures. It certainly meant that your grandparents’ possessions went to those who valued them most. And no one would be able to accuse your grandmother of favouritism. Very savvy! I am sorry to hear that you don’t ride anymore. A year or so ago, I thought it would be good for my fitness and balance to take riding lessons. I put them on my bucket list. However, the nearest stables are rather far from me so riding lessons are on hold.
Just fantastic to know the stories behind such keepsakes and have photo’s with her to boot. She looks brilliant for her age. Must have been we loved and gently played with. I imagine a number of family members might be hoping to be her next caretaker.
We must have been very gentle with her! We are a bit short on girls in the next generation, so, perhaps, I will need to work on some of the men in the family. Could be interesting!
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Your patience is rewarded….I adore the hug bunnies.
Nice to meet your Sadie Rosemary. What a wonderful name for a grand old lady.
I hope that your aunt is happy now, Ann.
Jo, I wonder what names are given to dolls today. Sadie Rosemary does seem like a name from yesteryear.
What a lovely tale of her life. It will now not be lost too, very important. 🙂
That is important, but you make me wonder if I should print out her story and place it somewhere on her person. Then I can be extra sure the story will remain.
Sadie,is in beautiful condition and I’m sure she will love living with you again. I also love the way your dog barked to let you know she was there – great story! 😀
Thank you Dianne. My Jack’s reaction was seriously cute but , apart from anything else, because Sadie had been with my aunt for so long, she carried the scent of aunt, which I think thoroughly perplexed Jack. In part, he was probably trying to tell me that his friend, my aunt, was in the room but in the wrong shape!
No unfortunately I don’t remember this doll…so sad for me☺ Another precious precious story from your heritage. Keep on sharing…we enjoy them so.
Laurie, I am bound to find more stories to tell. 🙂 We are, all of us, born story tellers, don’t you think?
What a wonderful familial legacy–I am so touched by your story. It brought gentle light tears welling with the sentiments that you expressed. Really a lovely heartfelt gift to you or yours.
I cried a little when I put Sadie in my car to bring home. But, then, once home, I placed her temporarily in a chair in the living room. I left the room, for a moment, and then came rushing back when I heard my dog barking furiously as if there were an intruder in the house. I found him standing by my Sadie’s chair, barking and barking and letting me know that there was someone new in the room. It did make me laugh and my aunt thought it was funny too when I told her later. That’s how real Sadie seems; even my little dog thinks so.
Wonderful story.
Wonderful doll and story.
Thank you, Bente. 🙂
Delightful! Sadie will love her new home with you.
I wonder if she remembers me from when we played together a life time ago. 🙂
My dolls all are gone now, except for my Raggedy Ann. She’s been with me for — a long time. When my aunt asked me a few years ago what I’d like for Christmas, I asked for a new pinafore and new pantaloons for Raggedy Ann — and she obliged!
I would have let go of my dolls earlier, but Mom was quite attached to them. I think part of the reason was because she made all of their clothes — knitted ice skating outfits, little tailored coats, pretty sundresses. Since Mom made most of my clothes, too, she often made doll clothes from the scraps, so my dollies and I could dress alike. It was such fun.
I smiled to see your comment about treatment of dolls being an indicator for treatment of humans. I remember my own inclincation to drag my dolls around by a leg or an arm, and how often I heard, “Would you want to be dragged around by your leg?” Eventually, I stopped doing that. It wasn’t that I was abiding by the rules, it’s that I’d learned something about imagination and empathy.
How wonderful of your aunt to make new clothes for your Raggedy Ann….my aunt would probably have knitted new clothes for Sadie if I had asked but she lost her dress-making skills many years ago; but not knitting, strangely enough. In years gone by, she and I made all the clothes for my dolls and they had great wardrobes made from leftover scraps of material. I suppose I did drag dolls and toys around at some stage. It’s probably the easiest way till a child gets the hang of holding and walking at the same time. 🙂 It’s an image perfectly captured by Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear http://www.greeting-cards-4u.com/platinum6/pictures/images/poohnew/MorePooh/upstairs.jpg
What a very lovely and also poignant post, it’s beautiful written and very engaging. I hope your aunt doesn’t miss Sadie Rosemary too much.
My aunt has wanted me to take Sadie Rosemary for years. I think,in her heart, she let go of her sometime back. I wish I could do that with some of my possessions.
Wonderful! Sadie looks so fresh and happy considering all the life she’s seen – or maybe because all she’s seen? She’ll have a wonderful home with you for many years to come and doesn’t want to hear about anything else. I’m sure she’ll grow to enjoy your blogging activities very soon 🙂
Now there’s a thought! Perhaps I am wrong to place her in a bedroom. She may like to witness new technology and blogging, after all she was once very modern and high tech, herself. I will have to find her place to sit next to the computer.
Now we’re talking 🙂
😀
Did you know that Sadie started out as a pet form of Sarah? In a similar way, Dolly began as a pet form of Dorothy. Dolly eventually generated the shorter Doll, which then became the common noun doll.
Indeed, I didn’t know any of that. Perhaps I now need to add Sarah Dorothy to her list of names. I was wondering if I should add Patience, as a name.
The Latin verb from which the noun patience ultimately comes meant ‘to bear, support, undergo, suffer, endure’. Do those fit what you have in mind?
I hope she hasn’t suffered! But endure and undergo and support would seem to fit. And, possibly, bear or put up with a lot of stuff and nonsense.
The doll is wonderful and in wonderful condition, but what I really like are the photos of the doll with her people! Those little girls, treating the doll like a sister, and imbuing her with human-ness, as you did later and continue to do–so special!
The doll is in remarkable condition. She did have one visit to a doll hospital in the late 80s, I think, but that’s all the ‘medical’ attention she has ever needed. There were some other lovely photos of my aunt and my mother with their new doll sister. She went everywhere with them. However, the quality of the photos is very poor, so they would not do well in blog format.
Interesting! I am impressed by the last query, who will take care of Sadie Rosemary next?
I may have to put some family names in a hat and see which one I pull out. 🙂
That sounds a great idea, Gallivanta. 🙂
I will ask Sadie Rosemary what she thinks about it. 😉
What a beautiful story. This is a much loved doll, and she’s had some adventures too.
And, unlike most of us, surprisingly few misadventures. 😉 Perhaps that’s because she sat patiently and thought things through very very slowly and thoroughly. 😀
There is always a right time, but it is not so easy to wait. We want to know with certainty that there will be a resolution, a happy ending. Sadie Rosemary has an elegant grace that comes with acceptance of change.
Clanmother, I think my aunt was wanting that certainty. Sadie was becoming a worry to her, instead of a pleasure. I love that you say that Sadie shows the grace that comes with acceptance of change. Perhaps all dolls that live long enough have that look. 🙂
I believe they do…. 🙂
Sadie is absolutely beautiful, and it’s wonderful to see the photographs and read about her history with your family. A true treasure.
Sheryl, it’s wonderful to have those early photos of Sadie. I expect there are some photos of my early days with Sadie, but where I don’t know ; which box, which cupboard??? I have so many family treasures and photos stored away in difficult to access places.
I simply love this post.
It feels like Sadie should have her own series of children’s books.
I am sure she would have great stories to tell. Imagine all the things she heard and saw in the retirement/nursing home! And what about that long voyage from Japan. 🙂
Ya don’t seem to realize that I’m giving you a HINT, young lady!
Mmmm….well, I did, but…..I haven’t had my second cup of coffee yet, so any thought of exercising my brain makes me feel weak. But thanks for the vote of confidence. 🙂 Perhaps you would enjoy another character who surely must have further stories to tell. https://silkannthreades.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/mrs-cockalarums-surprise-outing/
What a delightful post – bittersweet. Looking at Sadie’s condition and clothes she has been much loved. Yes patience the time is not yet!
Sadie had a beautiful wardrobe. I may still have some of her clothes stored in the attic, but I am not sure. My aunt, a dressmaker by training, made exquisite clothes for Sadie and for many of my other dolls.
That is a beautiful story! We en-soul our beloved dolls don’t we? Taking care to pass them on to the next set of loving hands is so important. I passed my much loved ‘Walkie-Talkie’ doll, a gift from a beloved aunt for my fourth birthday, to my eldest daughter when I thought she was old enough to value her. I still have a grainy black and white photo showing the joy on her face the Christmas morning she opened the box to discover the much loved doll within. The doll, now known as Marie, [after Marie Osmond – the idol of the time] sits on my daughters dresser and is still much loved. I do not know where she will go next, but I am sure my daughter will take care of that when the time is right.
How lovely that you have a special doll to pass on in your family. When you speak of your daughter’s joy when she received Marie, I am taken back to the excitement I felt when Sadie and her beautiful pram arrived in my childhood home. Later I had other dolls but Sadie Rosemary was always the easiest to hug. There is something special about dolls…can you imagine people loving their X Box like this and passing it tenderly through the generations? Or perhaps they do? 😉
So cute.. Dolls are a girl’s first babies, she’s in good hands 🙂
Thanks Daniella. She’s actually very nice to hold 🙂 .
now she just need more clothes with lace…hint, hint… lol 🙂
A lovely lace collar or bonnet….mmmmm….yes!
🙂
She is in such excellent shape, very well preserved. I am sure she will find comfort and safety in her new home. So wise beyond her years.
Mrs P, I find it amazing that she is in such excellent condition. All the little girls who played with her must have been so gentle.
I had a doll from my childhood that got stolen during a burglary! I am still gutted about that because I apparently was very attached to it. What a great family heirloom and I hope she comforts and looks over many more generations 🙂
I hope she lasts the distance. For a celluloid doll she has done remarkably well to last this long. Oh, burglaries are so vexing…grrrrr…and they stick like glue in the memory cells which makes them even more vexing.
Sadie has held up well for all of that wandering.
Probably better than I have, through all my wanderings!
What a moving story of family connection~
Intriguing what connects a family, isn’t it? It’s not always fabulous jewels or expensive treasures!
Inspiring story with a beautiful teaching: Patience is virtue. 🙂 Lovely read, and Sadie is still in such good shape and in good hands! 🙂
Patience is a virtue. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that in our ‘instant’ world.
So very true, how we need to learn to be patient! 🙂
🙂
She looks so well and happy, beautifully blue eyed. I am sure she will enjoy her well deserved rest with you!
Ute, her life will surely be restful. With the children gone from home, we have a very quiet house. 🙂
This story is so amazing that that Sadie continues her life from one generation to generation. She still looks fabulous at her age of 94 year old. Her wisdom is even yet amazing – yes not yet.
I hope I still look as young and fabulous when I am 94; at the very least, I hope I will have found some wisdom.
Fantastic post 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
That is a beautiful story, Gallivanta. Someone will come along for Sadie. Just wait.
Thank you Lavinia. I am sure there will be someone to love her.
Wonderful, and blessings to your aunt as well . . .
Thank you Ellen. I wonder if you treat a doll with love and respect it is an indication of how you treat people. I would certainly say that is the case with my aunt.
What an amazing life Sadie Rosemary has had. She looks very wise and kind and I think will be a lovely companion to have by your side 🙂
Indeed, and when I look at her, all cozy and comfortable, on that bed, I think how nice it would be to take an afternoon nap together!
She has an idyllic life on your bed, doesn’t she. And yes, I can imagine you would both have a delicious nap together 🙂
I haven’t succumbed to the afternoon nap yet, but I don’t know why we consider naps as the province of first and second childhoods and old age. Must teach myself not to feel guilty about naps. 🙂
I think you should just go for it. There is nothing nicer than a lovely afternoon nap, perhaps in the sunshine, perhaps the shade, perhaps with the radio on, perhaps just with the ambient noise of the neighbourhood to lull you off – how can you resist! 🙂
You are very persuasive…………………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…oops, not supposed to nod off at the keyboard. 😉
Tee Hee 🙂 By the way, here is a link to one of the best bits of music lull you off to sleep – the second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony Number 6 (Pastoral), played here by the wonderful Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_t9m2YZa0s
Oh, I will share that with my daughter. I think that piece of music is one of her favourites. She has just INSTRUCTED me to listen to: Respighi: Reiner – CSO – Pines of Rome ; Capriccio Espagnol -Christiaan Janssen; Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade-Svetlanov. Sheesh, no time to sleep. 😀
Your daughter has excellent taste. I love Respighi. Here’s a link to his Piano Quintet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQSYlC2sVBM which is one of my favourite chamber pieces. You are right – no time for sleeping at all 🙂
Oh thank you. I have just finished the Beethoven which was soothing. Am now on to the Capriccio. Not so sure about this one, but I will listen diligently.
Don’t worry if you don’t like it as much – we can’t all like everything 🙂
Indeed not, but it’s wonderful that we all have different ears to hear. Did you notice The Lark Ascending on my sidebar? It’s a hundred years since that was written. You probably saw the BBC documentary from whence came the video clip.