Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Cornhusk doll: Cornelius Husk

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  • This cornhusk doll, named "Cornelius Husk," was designed and made by Margaret Revis and sold through Allanstand Cottage Industries starting in the 1920s. With Revis' permission, the Alanstand shop patented the doll's design in April 1930 and received exclusive rights to the doll for seven years. The doll has a woven hat, fingers, pants, and shoes. The legs and feet are made from wooden sticks. It is the natural corn shuck color and a face has been drawn on. The Husk family and other cornhusk dolls were featured on postcards and pricelists for the Allanstand craft shop. This particular doll was apparently sent to John Parris, longtime columnist for the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper, by Margaret Roberts, manager of the Allanstand shop in 1960. This item is in fragile condition.