Pioneer

= Pioneer Dolls  = By Judie Fordham Judie Fordham, “Pioneer Dolls,” //Friend,// July 1992, 27

When pioneer children were crossing the plains,

They didn’t have cars, airplanes, or trains.

They walked beside wagons loaded clear to the top

With food, bedding, and seeds for the next season’s crop.

There just wasn’t room for a toy or a doll—

The wagons were filled with all they could haul.

So Papa’s handkerchief became a new toy,

A cherished soft doll that brought lots of joy.

This cute little doll loves to play or just sleep.

She’ll brush away tears if ever you weep.

So keep her close by—she’s easy to hold—

And pretend you’re a pioneer child of old.