We delved into Roberta’s Black-doll collecting passion by asking her several questions and/or asking her to elaborate on several doll topics as follows:

How long have you been collecting and do you consider yourself a novice or a seasoned collector?
"I have been collecting Black dolls for approximately 12 years.

(Pictured left is Satin Doll, Franklin Mint.)

"After 12 years I now consider myself a seasoned collector. Initially I tried to purchase every Black doll I saw and could afford. I had not decided at that time whether I wanted to focus on a particular type of doll. The only thing that mattered was that they had to be Black. That included some in very good condition, and others that had obviously been played with and loved a great deal.

What collecting tips would you offer to beginning collectors?
"My collecting tips to a new collector would be: Purchase dolls that you really love and can afford to buy, do not be overly concerned about their resale value, and try to purchase dolls that are in perfect or almost perfect condition.

"As a beginning collector one of the most important requirements should be to become aware of the variety of Black dolls that were manufactured in the past but are still available on the secondary market and those that are presently available in retail and specialty doll stores. The two Black doll books that were written by Myla Perkins are extremely helpful to new collectors and continue to provide excellent resource information to seasoned collectors. A new collector will also benefit greatly by attending as many doll shows and sales as possible."

What inspired you to collect Black dolls?
"There is a Black Doll Club here in Cincinnati called the I. Roberta Bell Doll Guild. I attended one of their doll shows, and I was so impressed by the variety and huge number of dolls on display that I asked the president what was the best way to start collecting. Although her collection includes various types of dolls, she suggested starting with Black Barbie dolls since they are reasonably priced.

(Pictured above are some of Roberta's Barbies and other fashion dolls.)

Roberta is pictured top center with her daughter's seven dolls, and the dolls are pictured immediately above. Francie and Julia appear on the far left. The doll on the far right is Disco Wanda by Shindana from the 1970s.

Did you have Black dolls as a child; and if so, do you still have some of them?
"At the time I was a young girl, Sears Roebuck was the only store in our city that sold Black dolls. The only way you could purchase them was through their mail-order catalog. My mother evidently realized the benefits of a Black child having a doll to play with that resembled her or someone she knew; so she ordered one for me and my sister. Unfortunately, as we grew too old to play with toys she gave them to some of my younger relatives. I sure wish I still had that doll. She had a chocolate brown complexion, had painted hair, cried mama when you held her back, and she also drank from a bottle which resulted in her wetting her pants. I will always remember her because she was extra special since all of my friends had white dolls.

"I also had what I thought at the time was a life-size white doll. Since she was so tall and took up lots of space in my small bedroom, she stood by the entrance of the door. Even though I knew she was there whenever I came up the stairs I always thought she was a person standing there, and I would become momentarily frightened. I was actually happy when my mother gave her away."

Please elaborate on one of your fondest childhood doll memories.
"Since I was fortunate enough to have several dolls and a small table and chair set with dishes, one of my most enjoyable experiences was having a tea party with the dolls. I would even put on dress-up clothes and pretend that I was serving tea to my friends and my children. That was long before television and our imagination was vivid enough to make fantasy seem like a reality."

What types of Black dolls do you prefer to collect today?
"Although I still have baby dolls, teen-age dolls and over 150 Barbies, I prefer to collect what I call adult dolls or designer dolls -- Madame Alexanders, Ginnys, Robert Tonner dolls, etc. I have all of the Byron Lars dolls except Mbili, and I have one Violet Waters doll.

Byron Lars'Collection pictured above with Swingtime Serenade Violet Waters.

"I also collect dolls and figurines that represent living or dead famous African Americans and dolls from my travels to the islands and to West Africa (pictured left). My most recent favorites are the little Black Kelly dolls," (pictured below).

"I have a spare bedroom that is devoted to the dolls. The overflow is in my recreation room in the lower level of my house. I had cabinets built to display the dolls. Although they are neatly displayed, they are not categorized in any specific manner.

"At first I kept most of my dolls in their boxes, but I realized that I could enjoy them more if I could actually touch them, do their hair, and sometimes redress them. I open the boxes of some of the newer ones so they can be displayed, but I keep the box. There are some that can still be seen even though they are still in the boxes.

"There are two doll specialty stores that give a discount to club members. I get most of my purchases there. I also go to doll shows and occasionally see a beautiful doll at Toys R US, Wal-Mart, or K-BS."

Pictured left are Ginny's, Barbies, 8" Madame Alexander dolls, "Afro" Ken and other AA Kens, 3 Michael Jackson dolls, M.C. Hammer, and Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington character from the "Welcome Back Kotter" 1970s TV show.

If you had to relinquish all but one, which doll in your collection would you keep and why?
"There is a Black designer from Raleigh, NC, Mrs. Mary Washington, who designs and sculpts reproduction antique porcelain Black Dolls and famous African American dolls. I own four of her dolls [three are pictured on the left], but my favorite is Mary McCloud Bethune [center]. The resemblance and clothing are so realistic. I hope she will always remain in my collection."