By Carrie Stanziola

People may not associate Somerville with toy manufacturing, but in 1922, when Jennie Graves started making doll clothes out of her Liberty Avenue home in Somerville, she started a minor Massachusetts manufacturing empire.  As Evelyn Battinelli explains, the 8 inch tall Ginny doll went through several phases.  Initially, Ginny’s wardrobe was reflective of women’s roles, and she wore nursing and Girl Scout outfits.  However, her wardrobe evolved over time, offering girls a greater variety of clothes to choose from. 

Graves’ Vogue Doll Company owes part of its success to the industriousness of Massachusetts workers. Graves expanded her operations to homes in Willow Avenue, Somerville, Wildwood Road in Medford, and later to manufacturing plants in Medford, Malden and Melrose.  Many of the home-sewers and factory workers were Somerville residents.  

Jennie Graves’ daughter, Virginia Graves Carlson, who inspired the doll’s name, worked as the doll’s clothing designer for 20 years.  Vogue was a family company, and developed a family of dolls, including Ginette, a younger sister for Ginny, and Jill, an older sister. 

Those interested in hearing more about the doll and her history may attend a lecture by Judith Izen at the Somerville Museum on Sunday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m. Historic Somerville and the Somerville Museum are collaborating with this lecture.  A donation of $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers is requested.  Reservations are recommended.  The Somerville Museum is located on the corner of Central St. and Westwood Rd, Somerville. Phone: 617-666-9810.