Summary

This porcelain Frozen Charlotte doll was excavated at the Commonwealth Block site between 1988 and 2003.

Frozen Charlottes were typically unjointed china dolls that ranged in height from 25 mm to 100 mm (the museum's example is 42mm). Originating in the USA, they were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 25 mm (or 1") dolls were commonly known as 'penny dolls' as they sold for 1¢ in America.

From the number of Frozen Charlotte dolls (or parts thereof) uncovered in archaeological digs in Little Lon, we can surmise these dolls were popular in Melbourne too. The discovery of two hand carved wooden Frozen Charlottes also indicates that the type was adapted by local people.

'When I was a child, we played in the street with hoops; we played hopscotch, and chasey, and cowboys and Indians, running right round the blocks and that. We even played marbles too.' (Marie Hayes, born and raised in Little Lon 1920-1940)

To the children who lived there, Little Lon was home. The streets and lanes were their playground - for tossing knucklebones, flicking marbles or chasing over the cobblestones. Their chants and laughter were part of the sounds of Little Lon.

Physical Description

This is a female porcelain doll. It has a clear glaze and the head, hands and feet are missing.

Physical Description

Female porcelain figurine, possibly a penny doll. Head, hands and feet missing.

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