Collecting for Kirsten Larson or A Pioneer Doll

       American pioneers are any of the people in American history who migrated west to join in settling and developing new areas. The term especially refers to those who were going to settle any territory which had previously not been settled or developed by European, African or American society, although the territory was inhabited by or utilized by Native Americans.

       The pioneer concept and ethos greatly predate the migration to parts of the United States now called Western, as many places now considered as East were also settled by pioneers from the coast. For example, Daniel Boone, (Missouri homestead) a key figure in American history, settled in Kentucky, when that "Dark and Bloody Ground" was still undeveloped. 

       One important development in the Western settlement was the Homestead Act, which provided formal legislation for the settlers which regulated the settlement process. These settlers came from all parts of Western Europe primarily. Some of them sought riches but most, however, dreamed the ordinary dreams of farmers. A place of their own, a land to farm for their own families...these were the dreams they followed into the Western territories for better or worse. Read more...

       Kirsten's Larson's family is just one of many literary examples representing a pioneer family living, surviving and dreaming of owning their own land someday. Countless American children have also read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Missouri home) which cover similar topics. The accessories and furnishings I post here are historically representative of American pioneer possessions from the 1850s and are a part of our family's dollhouse collections. Most of these items were found in second hand shops, resale, flee markets or at charity auctions.
       I will update posts labeled "doll sized reproductions" as our collections grow.

This little old doll cupboard has been in my husband's family for 100 years. I will be
restoring it this summer for our pioneer dolls. It is the perfect size for 18" dolls. Because it
 was hand built by a farmer, it was made from scrap wood; although, parts of it are dove
tailed! Under this 2014 post, I share the measurements.

A small cabinet with doors. Free standing cupboards with doors and/or screens where important furnishings
 to pioneers because these helped to prevent insects or mice from spoiling food before it could be eaten.
Pioneers had very few possessions but one or two of these cabinets would have been a welcome necessity
to any farmer's homestead.

A milk churn is a tall, conical or cylindrical container
for the transportation of milk. It is sometimes referred
to as a milk can. Read more... Our doll sized version is
 missing it's lid and I will need to fashion a replace-
ment for it later.

A doll sized stoneware jug with cork. This type of
vessel was kept for storing: cider, bitters or whiskey.

A fancy sadiron or sad iron is a heavy iron and made of one solid piece.
Read more... This doll sized version also comes with a trivet, used to
protect a surface from heat damage. Pioneers would not have had such
a fancy iron but our doll version is shaped like a duck, for cuteness sake,
I suppose!

A modern variation of an early European high
 chair. Tall narrow chair for infants were small and
did not have trays for food. The child would sit in
 this high chair at a table and be held in place
with a scarf or cord. I will paint this one
for Kirsten's collection.

A hooded cradle for a pioneer's baby will be a perfect
addition to our doll's cabin!

A doll's doll sized log cabin for play!

A 18" Laura Ingles Doll by Queen's Treasures

Reviewed by Kewpie83