Happy Birthday Barbie

 March 9 is National Barbie Day! In 1959, the 11-inch tall Barbie made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. She was designed by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel Inc., Barbie was created to allow girls to imagine what their lives could be like in the future. She’s had a slew of careers, from a registered nurse to an astronaut. In 1961, overwhelming demand caused Handler to release Ken, a boyfriend for Barbie. (Verdict’s out if he’s ever going to put a ring on it.) 

Barbie was inspired by Lilli, a German doll, which had a more adult look than the other dolls on the market. In 1956, while on vacation with her family, Ruth first came across the Lilli doll and noticed how enamored her 15-year-old daughter Barbara was with it. Before the creation of Barbie, most dolls were either babies or childres. Handler’s vision was to create a doll that had a grown female’s anatomy. Over the next couple of years, Handler worked to design a wholesome, American doll. Named after her daughter Barbara, Barbie debuted and crowds of people instantly fell in love with her. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she came with a full array of accessories

I myself had one of those original Barbies and eventually one of the original Barbie dream houses. I taught myself how to sew making clothes for her. We had a small porch in my backyard and it was there I played with Barbie and before her paper dolls. One side of the porch had a lattice that was covered in Bougainvillea and I could sit back there for hours playing and singing. I loved it. 

How about all of you?

Were you Barbie fans? Inquiring minds want to know.