The family of the late Vilma Stockton has made a major donation of her collection of over 100 handmade dolls. The dolls are exquisitely designed. Many of the heads were made by pouring porcelain into molds. Human hair was used for all the wigs, and eyes are of glass. The faces and features were hand painted by Mrs. Stockton, and each doll is one-of-a-kind.

The Stockton family has been residents of Shady Side at their home on West River Road for 25 years. The property was purchased in the 1930’s by Mrs. Stockton’s adopted mother, Nettie Powell. Following their marriage, the Stocktons bought the property from Mrs. Powell in 1984, built a new home, and became Shady Side full time residents. From that time until the early 1990’s when failing eyesight prevented her from doing so, Mrs. Stockton fulfilled her dream of making these dolls. She died on August 2, 2009.

The Society expressed its deep gratitude to the Stockton family for this unique donation, and hopes the extraordinary work of Vilma Stockton will bring pleasure to many homes in Shady Side and beyond.