Dream doll revived

Two local organizations' forthcoming giveaway of a doll and its accessories has sparked fond memories from women of a certain age in the Tucumcari region.

Tucumcari MainStreet and the CRAFT Club of Tucumcari have teamed up for a Very Merry Tucumcari fundraising raffle of an Adora Amazing Girls doll and more than 20 outfits, accessories and three vintage trunks to store them all.

The doll and her belongings are displayed at Blanco Creek Boutique in downtown Tucumcari. They will be given away on Dec. 23.

The dolls and its plethora of costumes and accessories ignited many memories of the Miss La Esperanza doll given away by the local La Esperanza organization each Christmas season from 1951 to about 1980, when the organization disbanded.

Connie Loveland, executive director of Tucumcari MainStreet, was one of many who recalled or heard of the original Miss La Esperanza doll, which also was displayed in a downtown business.

"I remember my mom talking about this doll," she said. "They would put her in the window, and all her clothes would be displayed with a bed and furniture and stuff. It was something every little girl dreamed of winning."

Debbie Sims, a member of CRAFT, approached Loveland in the spring and asked whether MainStreet would partner on the doll project.

"It had been on my mind for three years, and I've been trying to get something going with it," Sims said.

"I remember when I was a little girl," Sims recalled, "and many ladies my age around town would tell you, they used to stand in front of the C.R. Anthony's and dream about winning this doll."

MainStreet covered the cost of the doll and printed the flyers and raffle tickets. Sims and Mary Elebario created most of the clothing for the doll. Other CRAFT members donated other pieces of clothing or accessories.

The doll and its belongings were unveiled earlier this month during the CRAFT Club's 49th annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

"When we were setting it up at the craft fair, a lot of people were coming by and telling me how they, too, as little girls stood in front of the Anthony's building, looked into the window and dreamed of that doll," Sims said.

Loveland said nearly 400 raffle tickets were sold the first day.

"I actually had to print more tickets that afternoon," she said.

More people gave their memories of the Miss La Esperanza doll when Tucumcari MainStreet posted on social media about its raffle.

"I always dreamed of winning the La Esperanza doll when I was child," Liz Adcock Estrada wrote. "Such a special thing to bring back. Thanks to everyone who made this happen."

"It definitely triggered a memory response from people, which is really fun," Loveland said.

Among the doll's outfits are a 1950s poodle skirt, a Very Merry Tucumcari shirt, a white wedding outfit crafted by Elebario, a yellow raincoat and an embroidered Tucumcari Rattlers sweatshirt made by Sims.

According to the local history book "Quay County 1903-1985," 16 area women formed the local La Esperanza club in 1932 to aid "the development of the general culture, educational advancement, philanthropic service and for social purpose." Esperanza translates to "hope" from Spanish.

Rummage sales and progressive dinners for years raised funds for the needy. The club helped with other projects, such as paying for several surgeries to remove a large birthmark from a local girl's cheek, plus awarding scholarships.

Club member Renee Bowen in 1951 suggested the Miss La Esperanza doll as a fundraiser. Member sewed outfits for the doll and sold tickets for 25 cents each.

"The project was a major success, and the large proceeds again went back into the community and needy projects," the book stated.

The book contains a photo of one of the dolls in a store window in the mid-1950s, along with list of projects that ticket sales funded. In 1955, proceeds totaled more than $600. That's more than $6,800 in today's money.

Tickets for the Very Merry Tucumcari doll giveaway, which are $1 each or six for $5, can be purchased at Blanco Creek Boutique, Tucumcari MainStreet, Bare and Wild Creations or from CRAFT Club of Tucumcari members. Proceeds will benefit Tucumcari MainStreet and the CRAFT Club.

The drawing will be Dec. 23.