"Whimsies" are a line of unusual dolls which were produced by the American Character Doll Corporation from 1960-1961. They have a "whimisical" look with humorous names such as "Susie the Snoozie", "Zack the Sack", "Lena the Cleaner", etc. They are rather large dolls and were available in 21" and 23" sizes. "Whimsies" have a vinyl head with painted eyes (some dolls have closed eyes, others have open eyes). They have a vinyl stuffed body which is constructed in such a way which allows the doll to be easily displayed in a sitting position. The doll cannot stand on its own without the help of a doll stand.
The dolls pictured on this page are "Hilda the Hillbilly" and "Freddie the Friar". They belong to my friend Debbie S. and her daughter Robin. Freddie is shown re-dressed below. He originally was available wearing a brown hooded monk's outfit with a bell and sandals. He also had red rooted hair around his head. His original hang tag read, "By ringing his bell, he can save your soul from the deepest well". Freddie was originally owned by Debbie when she was a child. He was "well loved" so he has since lost his hair.
Below are some photos of a "Freddie the Friar" doll in his original outfit from a recently closed eBay auction.
The doll below is "Hilda the Hillbilly" who is wearing her original dress. She was also known as "Raggie the Muffin". Her original hang tag read, "Hilda the Hillbilly's not really a mess. She just smokes a corn cob pipe and wears a ragged dress."
Hilda is now Freddie's girlfriend. Since Freddie has left the "order" to be with Hilda, he no longer wears his monk outfit. ;-)
The information on this page was obtained from the reference book shown in the link below. Please read this book to find out more information about "Whimsies" and to see photos of the other dolls in the "Whimsie" line.
American Character Dolls: Identification
and Value Guide by Judith Izen