About
Founded in 1970
Some people collect stamps, coins, model trains or even buttons. When Linda Greenfield was eight years old, during the early 1960's, she began collecting dolls as a hobby. Since then, she has been enthusiastically collecting and perfecting her craft. This sincere interest led to her creation of this most unique wonderland and her own doll museum. Her passion for dolls is evident in the diverse nature of the more than 3000 dolls in the collection, on permanent display, behind floor-to-ceiling glass cases. The dolls are arranged by category, and most dolls have descriptive labels so patrons can guide themselves through the museum.
A treasury of memories best describes this outstanding collection of antique to modern dolls. One can view yesteryear dolls of bisque, china, wood, wax, metal, felt, ivory & papier mache. There are French and German bisque dolls, Bye-Lo babies, Kewpies, Schoenhut dolls & Toy Circus, Noah's Ark with animals, an electrified marionette show. There are dolls representing famous personalities of comics, literature, movies, history, medicine, fashion and advertising. The museum also has contemporary dolls from the 1920's to the present, including boudoir dolls, Patsy, Shirley Temple, Dionne Quints, and dolls by Madame Alexander, Effanbee and Vogue. Several dollhouses, children's china tea sets and paper dolls are also on display. The museum is especially meaningful to adults who find dolls on display that were popular when they were growing up.
History of the Doll Building
The historic "red building" in North Chili, New York (a suburb of Rochester) was constructed during the early 1900's and has seen a succession of enterprises in the past. For a time the building housed the town's only commmericaal establishment, a general store, soda fountain & gas station. The building was sold and then became a grocery store during World War II. The food operation continued in the post-war period. A dry cleaner, print shop, upholstery business, barbershop, men's clothing shop and a bookstore had previously operated businesses in this location since that time. In 1970 the building was purchased and became the permanent home for the doll museum and hospital. Linda and her family have enjoyed sharing their expertise with local residents and many tourists who have traveled to North Chili to visit this unique world of dolls. The wonderful romance of American and worldwide history of dolls awaits you!