Trying to find Marshall Field's house from the 1970s (even photos)

[Jen50]

Hi, I hope I'm putting this in the right place in the forum.

In my newbie intro I wrote how my mother, believing she was helping, cleaned out, while I (as an older student) went back to graduate school. She gave my first & only doll house to the junk man. I am beyond devastated. (I had asked her not to throw anything away). I had made many little things for it, outside and inside; past the doll playing stage, I started making things, adding things, such as a lantern for the outside. I am seeking to salvage memories, especially of the house's interior.

I would be eternally grateful for any ideas, any links, any leads to find pictures of this house, and anyone who would be willing to sell. I am not wealthy to get it custom made. Mostly I want to remember what the inside looked like, as it had long been stored facing outward. I am trying to get memories back.

Here's what I remember:

Marshall Field's wooden house from the early 1970s

painted white overall, with white, 2-story, round columns -- and dark green shutters

I think it's called "plantation style" but it did not have other trim, like balconies

it might also be called Greek revival, with the columns and triangular shape on the top front

a plain roof, sloping on each side (no dormers)

3 rooms up, 3 rooms down, all beautifully wall papered

plastic stapled windows with painted, drawn-back, white curtains at each window

basically a big white square, or rectangle - no gingerbread, no turrets, etc.

I found someone's blog who has a picture of the outside, although my roof is green. I wrote to her but have had no reply. If you scroll down in her blog, you will see the white and green house exterior.

http://emc2interiors.blogspot.com/2012/10/stylish-houses-for-tiny-people.html

Does anyone have ideas how to find one, or find photos? I have researched the history of Marshall Field's toy department (and found no photos of it); I have written that blogger; I have searched for hours on ebay and the web.

I would be so grateful even for just a picture of the interior. It was thrown out without my knowledge, before I could even see it again or take a picture. I would do almost anything to have any mementos and memories of it.

Thank you all so very much.

[Selkie]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine how sad you must feel.

I'm not familiar with the house in question but a fellow GL member put together some pictures about dh's over the years.

You can find her album here.

Even if you don't find yours there it might give you an idea of which company did the actual production of your house.

There are others here on forum that have a great deal of historical info.

You'll just have to wait a bit for them to be online and see your post since not everyone is on all the time.

You might think of whether you could stick build it from scratch yourself as another possibility or finding a kit that is close to it's style and bashing it (changing it) to suit your needs.

Good luck.

[Selkie]

Just came across this website for a vintage dh collector. Perhaps they might be able to assist you since they do that sort of thing.

[havanaholly]

I replied to your post in the Newcomers' Forum with suggestions for kits to achieve a similar look. My mother put my Keystone dollhouse out in the leaky garage in S FL and let the damp and bugs work on it; by the time I was somewhere I had room to put it she had decided it was far enough gone to toss it, along with a great number of my well-loved dolls; the only one she wasn't able to destroy and pitch was my ragdoll ballerina my paternal grandmother made me; so I do feel for your loss.

[Selkie]

One other thought - since Macy's acquired Marshall Field - perhaps they have a history of the toys sold or other historical advertisements, etc. Maybe try contacting them for assistance.

[Jen50]

Dear Selkie and Havanaholly,

Thank you so much. I will follow all the leads and links you've suggested. I really appreciate your writing.

I knew Marshall Field's had become a Macy's, but I hadn't thought to contact them. Thank you.

What a good idea to try to find the brand. My mother doesn't remember anything beyond getting it sent from Marshall Field's. I'd love to figure out the brand! There is nothing on the market right now that is like it; Lawbre (spelling?) has a "plantation style" house with columns; but it's definitely not that; mine was far more plain - more like a Greek temple. And of course the inside came finished. My parents would not have been able to afford a Lawbre in any case.

Havanaholly, I feel for your loss. I'm so sorry that happened. I find myself actually grieving. I can't imagine your loss. Thank you for your kind words. I send empathy to you.

Thank you both so much for taking the time.

Gratefully,

Jen

[fov]

I've seen that house before! At least twice for sale on Craigslist in the past few years. Also a member here has one that she found at a thrift store. Check out this thread.

(Sorry, link was wrong, I just fixed it!)

[Jen50]

http://emc2interiors.blogspot.com/2012/10/stylish-houses-for-tiny-people.html

This link is the only picture I've found online so far. (scroll down to the 2nd picture, the white house exterior). Thanks so much for the suggestions. Fov, it is very similar -- if I'm looking at the right photo. Perhaps it is a similar one? Or redone over the years? There were more rooms, no staircase, and finer wall paper and finishes. I see in the links that it's Halls Lifetime toys. That's a definite lead. Thank you.

Please do keep the links coming! Thank you so much. Any lead in the direction of naming the brand or finding a photo (or being able to purchase) will be so deeply appreciated.

craigslist is a great idea - I hadn't thought to look there. Thank you so much, I am really grateful.

[fov]

Renea (mygrommi) was told by a museum owner that the manufacturer is Hall's Lifetime Toys. You might want to send her a PM to ask about it since she did some poking around for info at the time.

Here's another one: http://suebeesminiatures.blogspot.com/2013/06/cays-new-halls-dollhouse.html

That's the same house as the one you posted the picture of, isn't it? Looks the same to me...

Oh, and this: http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32765 - a variation with more rooms

[Jen50]

Dear fov, I have written to Renea. I'm beginning to let myself get a little excited that we may have found the brand. Mine was definitely more finished on the inside, and had more rooms; but maybe the company sold a range of models of this design. I feel like at last I have a lead besides Marshall Field's. I can't thank you enough.

[fov]

One more pic of the larger version: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jackenglish/5582284273/

Apparently that model was named the Hermitage.

Good luck, I hope you're able to find out more! Once you figure out the name of what you're looking for, you could set up an eBay alert so you get an email if someone lists one.

[Jen50]

I think we have the brand. I am thinking the company must have sold variations on this model, perhaps over different years. I am wracking my brain to remember if there were more windows. I know there were 3 rooms up and 3 rooms down, no staircase, and it was very finely finished, with wall papers that were different in each room. I am glad to have the company to research, as I might be able to get a catalog or "historical" photos. Thank you all for this help, it is so appreciated.

[morgansmith]

Most definitely do NOT give up. Find the house, post the photo and get us all to watch our local craigslist.

I was talked into selling the house my Grandpa made me. I will never forget what I did. I have a few other items sold or lost over the years. I try to be grateful for what I still have but continuing my love of dollhouses keeps those memories connected to me and I will keep hoping to someday spot the house on craigslist.

[Jen50]

Dear Morgan, Thank you for your very kind note. You have given me hope.

I'm so very sorry about the house that your Grandpa made you. I hope that you do see it on craigslist. If you want to send a description (or if there's one on this site), I will keep my eye out, too. If I didn't know that my mother gave mine to the junk man (as in 1-800-GotJunk), I would be searching for my own house, too. People are telling me to cherish the memories, and to remember the love that went into the gift. I am trying. I do think it's wonderful that he made it for you. I am trying to remember that my mother's love for me is strong, even though she had (and still has) no idea why I would want to keep my childhood doll house.

I think my house is not the Hermitage; it did not have structures on either side. This picture from the blog is still the best one I can find of the exterior. It looked like this from the outside, although it had a dark green roof to match the shutters: (Scroll down to the second picture).

http://emc2interiors.blogspot.com/2012/10/stylish-houses-for-tiny-people.html

I see that there are a few out there with a different front door and a simpler interior. Thanks again to fov (Emily) for these links. I have not yet found the model with my interior. I think I may have to start collecting all the Hall's houses I can find and/or afford, just to try to ease the ache of the loss.

Last night I splurged on a Hall's Toy Catalog from 1974, and I am hoping maybe my model will be shown in there. It will arrive Jan. 16.

I would be extremely grateful for anyone keeping an eye out for the Hall's Lifetime Toys doll house that looks like the one in the picture. Ideally I would like to find one with the interior of 3 rooms up and down, and each room with a lovely, small-print wall paper. (There was no staircase, in my memory).

But I will be heartily grateful to look at all that become available! The search terms I can think of for local craigslists would be Hall's Lifetime Toys; plantation style or Greek revival style; 1970s; green and white.

It's such an irony; if I had mine, I would not be scouring the internet looking for every possible one (and purchasing them!) The loss of such a childhood treasure still has me in tears. It was my first and only doll house, and it came at the right age to create the magic, all through girlhood.

Thank you to anyone who is willing to help me keep looking. Thank you for all the links. Morgan, I'm focusing my thoughts on your doll house finding its way back to you.

So many thanks to you all,

Jennifer

[Jen50]

Some of the mystery is solved, I think. There is currently the version of this Hall's Lifetime Toys doll house with 2 rooms up and 2 rooms down selling on ebay, originating in Louisiana and requiring pick-up only. I cannot buy it because they will not ship. (sigh)

But they are listing the house as "Renovated Colonial 1950-1960" -- which makes sense, as I am definitely remembering a house with 3 rooms up and 3 rooms down and no stairway. It makes sense that the model with 2 rooms is earlier.

Mine is definitely from the early 1970s. So the 2-room one is earlier.

The outside exterior is the same, although I am now not certain of the number of windows.

Hopefully when the 1974 Hall's Lifetime Toys catalog arrives on Jan. 16, I'll be able to share any info about a possible later model.

It seems that many doll houses for sale are "local pick up only." How do you get your doll houses?

Thanks to everyone,

Jennifer

Edited January 11, 2014 by Jen50

[Jen50]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colonial-Style-c-1950-1960-Dollhouse-Renovated-/331101200199

This is the link to the Colonial Renovated c. 1950-1960 house.

It's an inspiring model! I will still be looking for photos of the 1970s one with 6 rooms. It may have had more windows. I had not looked at it very recently before my mom gave it to the junk man.

I also wanted to say a special Thank You to those who wrote me privately to empathize with the loss. Sending my thanks and my kindest thoughts to you,

Jennifer

[havanaholly]

...It seems that many doll houses for sale are "local pick up only." How do you get your doll houses?...

I build mine.

[fov]

Did you ask the seller if they'll ship it? Sometimes people say local pick-up only because they don't want to worry about that, but they're flexible when they hear from a buyer who's willing to pay for freight. That being said - the one on eBay looks pretty nice, but I think you're eventually going to be able to find one of these houses for cheaper.

[CheckMouse]

My pain from childhood is that we moved so much I never had a dollhouse. I can't imagine the pain of having had one built by a family member, or one that had survived your childhood, and then having it sold or destroyed in your absence. So sorry ;(

I'm trying to identify an old house too, so am avidly reading this thread Good luck!

[KathieB]

The eBay house is in Covington, just across the lake from me. I think you might want to hold off, though. I have a feeling you'll find a duplicate of your 3-up/3-down childhood house.

[Jen50]

Thank you all so much for writing. I did try to write to the Covington ebay seller earlier today, but ebay won't let me send it! I don't understand it. I wrote one message yesterday, to ask if a seller of a Tudor style Hall's house would ship (she's in CA, and replied, no, she would not ship). It was not my model but it was still the same Hall's company.

But now ebay is telling me that I've written my quota of messages for the day -- even though I wrote that message yesterday, and trying this one this morning, different days no matter what time zone.

Perhaps it is a sign I should not pay that much. I do have a great interest in colonial history and have studied its literature at a very colonial American institution. I have taught American literature. The house as a work of art I would value. But I agree it's more than a wise graduate student should spend (I am wrestling with that). Perhaps a benevolent universe is stopping me from pursuing that sale.

I am currently waiting to see if an owner of a 2 + 2 rooms would be willing to sell, although it's an earlier model and needs a lot of work, which I could not do while I am back in school. (I came back as an older student; for teaching). It's kind of her to even consider selling it, hearing of my situation.

Do you really think I'll find my old 6 room model? I had a long talk with my mother last night, who called to find me crying and wanted to know why. She had no earthly idea that it meant something to me, she thought she was uncluttering and that I had outgrown such toys. (tears...). She did say one helpful thing, that the reason I can't remember the wall paper is that I was so absorbed in my play and creativity. She said no one would remember the wall paper. That helped a little, because I have just been kicking myself. But I wish I had that memory, just to see it so I could have that memory.

All last summer while I was home to help my elderly parents, it was there; but I did not stop to look closely or look inside, having no idea it would soon be gone forever. I am kicking myself for that, too. I was preoccupied with helping my parents. I had no idea they were even planning to call the junk man to clear out things from the house.

CheckMouse, thank you for your kind words. Someone told me that I should hold onto the fact that there *was* a doll house, that at least I had one. It is a valid thought, even though the memory of having it is now joined to the feeling of losing it. I hope you find yours. Please let me know if I can help.

KathieB, one part of me has the wheels turning, wondering if I could do the transaction if someone is there in Covington to pick it up. Silly me though, we would still have the problem of shipping!! I'm still far away!! And the house price plus shipping would be a lot of funds for a graduate student. I'm going to take yours and fov's advice. And surely it must be a sign that ebay won't even allow me to send a message to the seller. (I have written ebay to ask why).

Isn't it a gorgeous house, though!

I can't tell you how grateful I am to all of you who have responded, here and in private messages. It helps the sharpness of the ache to be among people who get it.

I am mindful that people are suffering right now with the truly big things, not having food or shelter or safety. I know in the big picture my loss is negligible. For some reason, I am still grieving; in some way it *was* childhood to me. The magic.

I would be glad to keep an eye out for any house that anyone else might be seeking, as I do my searches, too.

Thank you all, so much.

Edited January 12, 2014 by Jen50

[Blondie]

Keep searching. It will take time, but it will find you again. I'm glad you were honest with your mother, and you were able to talk about it. I lost many items in a house fire years ago, so I know how much it hurts to lose objects that are filled with memories. I hope you are able to locate the house soon and start rebuilding. Hugs.

[Jen50]

I have written to the Covington ebay seller to ask if they would ship. I cried over 2 phones simultaneously with 2 ebay representatives trying to help me send a message the site wouldn't let me! (And it was a complicated fix). Someday I'll laugh (maybe). What tipped me over is that the renovation is from the period of American literature that I have taught and will teach again. And I think I have some help. I couldn't conceal my distress from my mother, although I didn't want her to know. They don't have a lot. But now she wishes she could fix it. I highly doubt the seller will ship, so it is really just mentally to know I tried everything.

Blondie, thank you for your very kind message. I am so sorry about the fire. The words of empathy from all who have experienced loss do help me, and help me to put it in perspective.

I will keep looking for the 6 room one. You've all given me a wonderful gift in knowing *what* I'm looking for. I'm very touched by the empathy here. I am creating new memories of people who care, even as I mourn the old.

(((Thank you)))

Edited January 12, 2014 by Jen50

[Jen50]

I will still be searching for my Hall's early 1970s 3 rooms up + 3 rooms down, white with green shutters. I would be glad to look for the houses that others are looking for.

We're between semesters and now my real "day job" work begins in earnest again; I must learn to get over this. But I will always be looking. I'm happy to look for anything you tell me about, too. (I was actually putting in every city and state into craigslist, but can't continue to spend that degree of time). Happy to keep an eye out in New England for anything people are searching for.

And once again, on a new day, just wanted to thank you all for your kindness. I am looking at some of the galleries and am deeply impressed by your work. Truly, the patience and creativity of such projects give much love to the children who receive these.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jennifer

[KathieB]

Mary, you can't look everywhere in the universe. If you can relax, the universe may bring the house to you.