Dolls, Tin Toys and Steam Powered Vehicles

The composition dolls of the early part of the 20th century were truly doll making at it's finest.  The composition dolls were made of a type of compressed wood pulp and the layer upon layer of paint veneers were added to build up to a finished "flesh" look.   The hand tying and stringing was often done in the cottage industry and so many housewives would lovingly put their labor into the finished products.  These dolls were not so much built as birthed.  The whole process exhibited a craft making when craft was still valued.  And further than their product or even utility(some dolls produced today could be said to be more durable) their charm was in their unique nature.  Something that can't quite be expressed.  Akin to the charm of a Steam Powered machine of the 1800's compared to a modern automobile. 

Not too long ago there was a movie with Will Smith-"The Wild West", which depicted a host of steam powered gadgetry which were utterly charming.   Their utility was often similar to some to modern gadgets, but their process extensive and involved.  Why a full room calculator when a hand one will suffice?  Why an elaborate mousetrap when a glue strip or spring is all that's necessary.  I suppose what all these things- Dolls, Tin Toys, Steam Contraptions remind us is that  its' really not the destination but the journey.