Civil War doll-dressing results listed

BONAPARTE ? Results are in for the Civil War doll-dressing contest held in Bonaparte during Bonaparte Main Street?s Civil War Experience.

The contest, sponsored by Gianna and Roy Barrow of Bonaparte, brought dolls and designers together to create a new ?lease on life? for 1950s- and 1960s-era dolls. Nineteen dolls were dressed by 16 different women from varying ages, communities and expertise in 1860s costume in commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The dolls then were displayed in Waterfront Place in Bonaparte for public voting by quarters.

The doll receiving the most votes was dressed as a 4-H project by Sidney Zollars of rural Bonaparte. Dressed in a tiny, pale green calico with white eyelet trim, black velvet belt and buttons, the doll also sported a white lace cap and handmade leather boots. The doll was awarded a red with gold ?Miss America? sash for first place.

Second place receiving a blue with gold ?Miss Union States? sash was a doll created by Trisha Rupe of Floris. Her inspiration came from the movie ?Gone with the Wind? and the red dress that Scarlett wears to Ashley?s birthday party. The off-the-shoulder black on red brocade sported a short train with bows and a black lace petticoat, and a small hat with black feather edging perched smartly on the head.

It was fate and talent that brought Gale Lofgren?s gray and butternut Confederate dressed doll to third place and the gray with gold sash of ?Miss Confederate States.? From Burlington, this was Lofgren?s second year to participate. Her doll?s hooped skirt in Confederate gray was decorated with gold braid and buttons along with dangling red, white and blue stars. The chevrons down the front of the bodice hosted gold stars while gold braid trimmed the butternut cuffed sleeves.

The green with gold ?Miss Congeniality? sash was awarded to the hand-sewn creation designed by Carol Gunn of rural Bonaparte. Dressed in dusty purple and black, this doll features handmade handkerchief lace trimming the white blouse, a cut-away skirt with pleated edging, an elaborate hat of ribbons and feathers, matching reticule and umbrella, earrings, necklace and ring. This was Gunn?s second year to participate. In 2011, her doll was awarded second place.

Others participating include: Jan May of Burlington with two dolls; Sharon Gard of Ottumwa; Sonnia Rowlett of Keokuk; Taylor Thornsberry, Sarah Thornsberry, and Caroline Thornsberry, all of Milton; Vicky Hoskin of Farmington; Isabel Neeley of Hillsboro; and Bonnie Wilson, with two dolls, Tommee Pelky with two dolls, Sandi Maxwell and Carolyn Pelky, all of Bonaparte.

The quarters from the voting were donated to Bonaparte Main Street for its Civil War Experience. Last year?s contest brought in $180; this year?s contest brought in $405.

Dolls for the 2013 contest will be ready for designers in September. Anyone interested in volunteering to design a doll can call to reserve one or get more information at 319-592-3580.