The Morning Call: All dolled up: Party recalls beloved Bethlehem woman who inspired rag doll in her name

At age 5, Polly was sent to Bethlehem and attended what is now Moravian Academy and later Moravian College. She became a teacher of ornamental needlework at a girls school in Lititz, but had to quit at age 24 when she lost her hearing.

Polly returned to Bethlehem. An accomplished seamstress, she founded the Ladies Relief Society of Freedmen’s Aid to raise money for the war effort. The group changed its name to the Ladies’ Sewing Society in 1865.

She was loved by everyone, Brown told the tea party guests, and was known for her beautiful complexion.

Polly died in Bethlehem in 1872 at the age of 87. Four years after her death, her friends in the society decided to honor her memory by creating Polly dolls. The highly collectible dolls — dubbed “benefit dolls” by collectors — feature handmade bodies, clothing and bonnets, painted faces, and shiny black shoes.

Each doll has small details that identify it with the era in which it was made. The only part of the dolls that aren’t handmade are the shoes. Over the years, some Polly dolls have come back for new clothing or faces — which Brown jokingly calls a “Moravian facelift.”

The museum has many Polly dolls in its collection, from 1880, 1890, 1930, and 1940. Those who attended Sunday’s tea party brought their own Pollys. Nancy Civitts of Emmaus brought the two Polly dolls she owns, one that dates to 1915 and wears black stockings — most Polly dolls wear white.

Today, the dolls sell for $125, and there is a two-year waiting list to receive one, according to the Moravian Church in North America’s website.

Becky Owens of Bethlehem and her daughter, Katie, each brought their own Polly to the tea party. Becky’s doll was a gift from her grandmother when she was born, and Becky did the same for Katie.

Now 11, Katie attended Sunday’s tea party dressed as a life-sized Polly doll, complete with a ribboned bonnet. Museum docent Gianna Beleno was dressed as Polly as well, and they both moved around the room during the tea party so guests could examine their costumes — also made by the Ladies Sewing Society — up close.

“I was happy when they asked me to do this,” Katie said. “I love the Polly dolls.”

Christy Potter is a freelance writer.