Paper Doll Idol

Before Chatty Kathy and Barbie, paper dolls were a big seller in little girls’ toys.  Being the “baby” baby on the farm with few playmates (if any) nearby my age I had a large collection and fueled by imagination they inhabited their own town set-up in my bedroom with their own box houses and such.  My cousin who was eighteen months older than I spent summers with us and we spent hours playing with them when we weren’t outside with the animals or generally getting in the adults way.  One of my last additions to the community was Pat Boone and Nick (since there were almost always at least two dolls in each package). 
 Pat Boone became a hot commodity during my sisters’ late teens and early twenties so I had heard his songs repeatedly on their record players and stereos.  He had the smooth voice, and the All-American looks of the era, which helped to propel him into acting as well.  April Love was not only a hit song for him and a hit move (loved it), but it also became the title for at least one chapter in his book ‘Twixt Twelve and Twenty” which my sister bought for me.  It was one of at least three books he wrote during that time period about surviving the teen years.  I had those books well into my twenties before they mysteriously disappeared in a move.  I can’t tell you how many times I read them (lots) and took them to heart.  One chapter in particular has always stood out in my mind for its title and its message—Jam Today was a reminder to make the most of every day you had instead of always looking to the past or (more likely for teens) the future.
 Just hearing the song April Love today takes me back to paper dolls, Pat’s books, and a time when I believed deeply that love could conquer all.

April love is for the very young
Every star's a wishing star that shines for you

As a side note, about eight years ago my sister sent me a box of stored memorabilia and to my delighted surprise my collection of paper dolls was in it.  It was like meeting old friends after a long absence, except they hadn’t changed in the least.

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