Bio: Becker, Gertie (19 March 2003)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

----Sources: Scrap book one: by Elsa Lange Hardrath & Dorthaleen Edwards Hardrath

Hardrath Family Photo Album

Surnames: Becker

Contributed by Halbert "Bud" Hardrath

----Sources: The O-W Enterprise (Withee, Wisconsin) Wed., March 19, 2003; Page 6

Collectors Corner

COUPON DOLLS OF THE 1940’S

Who of us remembers getting coupons, redeemable for dolls from Blue Bonnet Margarine? Gert Becker has a number of, as she call, "coupon doll". Becker remembers this was in the 1940’s when margarine first became popular in the US. The attractive theme dolls were popular sixty years ago. The Red Cross Nurse doll, a reminder of WWII, Betsy Ross, a gem of flag history, then the Blue Bonnet Margarine rep., a cowgirl and the birthday doll.

The dolls are a delightful conversation piece and a good reminder of historical events. Gerts doll collection was not limited to coupon dolls. The first doll Gert kept as a good momento, the tiny china doll was given to her by her mother on the birth of their first child in 1936. The doll had her hair coiffed in the style of that era, and still wearing the dress Gert crocheted for her. Gert has 25 dolls arranged around her apartment, most are gifts from family and friends.

As with so many collectors, on collection is not enough. Becker also has other collections. A small collection of scrap books, seven to be exact. Some holding family history, another events in our town, one for grandchildren and their prowess in high school sports. Gert also has mini collection of salt and pepper shakers and beautiful china cups and saucers.

At age 99, Gert is fortunate to enjoy her collections in her own home. She will celebrate her 100th birthday on July 7th, 2003.

Gert was born on the seventh day of the seventh month, the seventh child, one of seven sisters, and feels number seven has been lucky for her.

Story and Photos by Anne Gajewsky