Site last updated: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Time capsule: woman kept doll from 1922 her entire life

Bernice Hook holds her baby from her first Christmas in 1922 at her home at Concordia in Cabot on Monday Dec. 20, 2010. Butler Eagle File Photo

Bernice Hook, of Jefferson Township, was born the same year her first Christmas gift was created and both would celebrate their 89th holiday in December, 2010.

“I was born in March 1922, and my father built this little crib for my first Christmas and the babydoll came with it,” she said. “It was up in the attic and I guess it just stayed up there boxed up. It's pretty well browned. You can see where I chewed on the toe of the doll's foot.”

The blue-and-white checked dress and bonnet of the doll have faded to tan, but that's not to say they haven't aged well.

“It brings back a lot of memories. You didn't just buy something then. You either made it or used what you had,” Hook said.

She said she hadn't decided whether the doll and crib will be passed on to a family member or be donated to the Saxonburg Museum.

More in Special Sections

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS