Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
SPARS Armed Service Doll
Artifact IDMO 1945.47.15
Object Type
Doll
Maker
Ina McGee
(American, born c.1890)
Dateca. 1944
Mediumfabric, cotton, ribbon
Dimensionsoverall H 12 1/4 in x W 5 3/4 in x D 2 1/4 in (31.1 cm x 14.6 cm x 5.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small rag doll representing a SPARS (Semper Paratus/Always Prepared) from the women's branch of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. The dark-haired doll is wearing a uniform consisting of a navy blue jacket, skirt, and tie with a white shirt and a removable navy blue and white brimmed hat with "COAST GUARD" embroidered in yellow on the front. She is also sporting a navy blue shoulder bag across her chest. The doll's facial features, uniform details, and "shoes" are embroidered.
Historical NoteDuring World War II many women joined the ranks of America’s military. Mrs. W. W. McGee of Fitzgerald, Georgia made a set of four rag dolls (MO 1945.47.13-16) depicting women in the armed services as a Christmas gift for Franklin Roosevelt. She sent them to the White House in December 1944. The dolls represent members of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), the Coast Guard SPARS (U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve), and the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 25, 1945. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
