Martha Johnson Patterson by Madame Alexander

Object/Artifact

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St. Joseph Museums

The image shows a porcelain doll with large eyes, styled with curled blonde hair. She is dressed in an elegant, flowing white cape with gold trim along the edges and a matching clasp at the neckline. Underneath, she wears a silvery dress adorned with subtle patterns and hints of pastel colors like blue and pink. The doll is in the likeness of Martha Johnson Patterson, First Lady and daughter of president Andrew Johnson.

The image shows a porcelain doll with large eyes, styled with curled blonde hair. She is dressed in an elegant, flowing white cape with gold trim along the edges and a matching clasp at the neckline. Underneath, she wears a silvery dress adorned with subtle patterns and hints of pastel colors like blue and pink. The doll is in the likeness of Martha Johnson Patterson, First Lady and daughter of president Andrew Johnson.

Name/Title

Martha Johnson Patterson by Madame Alexander

Entry/Object ID

2022.17.20

Description

Martha Johnson Patterson (1865-1869). An assassin's bullet summoned Andrew Johnson to take the Presidency of the United States. Mrs. Johnson, an invalid, could not assume the obligation of First Lady. It was decided that her daughter, Martha Johnson Patterson, would preside at the White House instead. These were trying days in Washington, particularly in the White House. Mrs. Patterson was a person of strong character and stood at her father's side all through the months of the impeachment proceedings. Her doll is wearing a colorful dress with floral pattern and a light pink cloak with gold trim. Her blond hair is styled by a bun on one side and a ponytail on the other. The First Ladies of the United States represent a social and historical cross section of our country from its beginning until today. This collection from the Madame Alexander First Ladies of the United States represents the wives of United States presidents. Madame Alexander’s goal has always been to design dolls that are works of art and with all the charm and grace of the era they represent. .

Accessories

Accessory

Stand

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Sara Bouldin

Notes

From Sara Bouldin, a second grade teacher from Marshville, Missouri. Moved to Pensacola, Florida and lived there for 35 years. Boulden was part of the Pensacola Doll Study Club before she passed away in May of 2021. The estate gifted the dolls to the club.