Posted by Steve Geneseo on Mar 17th 2023
Shocking, shameless, pretty, and marvelous are all terms that describe Nellie Oleson’s character in literature and on television. Translating that much personality into a doll wasn’t easy, but we think this latest addition to the officially-licensed Little House on the Prairie® 18 Inch Doll Series is a complete success!
Designed by highly skilled artists to embody the beloved character's spicey spirit, Nellie’s pretty but mischievous nature is captured in her piercing blue eyes, curly golden hair and dramatic features. And true to her flamboyant style, Nellie’s comes in an outfit chosen to impress and outdress every other girl in the village with coordinating pink bows, layers of lace and extravagant ruffles. To show Nellie’s softer side, she holds a 4” teddy bear wearing a matching outfit. Even Nellie has a soft spot!
What timing! The timing of the doll’s arrival couldn’t be better. Alison Arngrim, the actress who played Nellie Oleson on the television series, is having a birthday on January 18th! Happy Birthday, Alison! Your work on the series brought an unforgettable character to life. We thank you and wish you all the best.
Historical background: Nellie Owens, the real person on whom the fictional character of Nellie Oleson is based was born on August 2, 1869. Her parents ran the local mercantile in Walnut Creek, Minnesota during the period when the Ingalls family resided there. Nellie’s misadventures and interactions with the Ingalls were chronicled by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the timeless Little House books, published between 1932 and 1943, now a cornerstone of America's pioneering heritage on the frontier. These books have been enjoyed by readers of all ages, all over the world, for many years.
Laura Ingalls' reputation continued to gain momentum after her death in 1957. Organizations sprang up across the country to preserve and commemorate sites that had been important to Wilder and her family. “Little House on the Prairie,” an NBC television series that originally aired from 1974 to 1982, brought a new audience to Wilder’s work, and by the 1980s, her influence had moved well beyond children’s literature.
New generations of readers and viewers continue to identify with both the real and fictional Laura Ingalls. Some point to her courage and optimism in the face of adversity; others to what they interpret as the simple, values-based lifestyle her pioneer family embraced; still others resonate with Wilder’s depiction of women in the American West or the environmental themes they find in her work.
At The Queen’s Treasures®, we believe that imagination is the key to unlocking a whole new world outside of the digital age we’ve been thrust into. The aim of our products is to help inspire and nourish creative play that begins in a child’s mind so they can grow their imagination and fuel creativity. With toys designed to be memorable, they are lovingly made to be in your family for years to come so that generations from now, that imaginative fun can still flow. Our products are tested to meet or exceed testing standards in the USA, and Canada so that you and your children can play with peace of mind.
Thus, we cordially invite you to enter the great hall and begin perusing our finest treasures, made just for you!