DOLLS

Matryoshka Dolls, Russian Princesses and Onion-domed Cathedrals – an Unexpected Alaska

Most cruise passengers and tourists coming to Alaska expect to see whales and glaciers, bears and mushing dogs, and national historic parks and gold rush towns, saloons and houses of ill repute – but few are prepared for the rich evidence of Russian history.

In fact, very few are even aware that for a period of time, a fairly hefty chunk of history, Russia actually controlled Alaska.

The Russian occupation of Alaska began in the mid 1700s when Russian explorers like Vitus Bering started to delve further into the area, and when fur traders began to settle at places such as Iliuliuk on Unalaska.

Today, Unalaska, located on the Aleutian Island chain, offers visitors a glimpse of that past with the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Ascension. Built in 1825, complete with red roofs, green onion domes and a small churchyard, the church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and was recently restored in 1998. It now houses one of the largest collections of religious artifacts and icons in the United States.

As the fur trade grew and more Russians ventured into the area, the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska was established in 1784 by Gregory Shelikoff and his fur company on Kodiak Island, a settlement that was moved 8 years later to the site of the present-day Kodiak.

Kodiak still retains much of its Russian flavor, complete even with Russian street names.

The Baranov Museum, a warehouse built in the 1790s by Alexander Baranov to store furs, is the oldest remaining Russian structure in the state and houses a fine array of artifacts of Kodiak’s time as a Russian settlement.

Other Russian themed attractions include the beautiful Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church established in 1794 complete now with icons and references to Saint Herman, the first priest canonized in the USA. There is also the Veniaminov Research Institute Museum which showcases bibles and icons used by the Orthodox missionaries in the 1800s

An annual Kodiak event at Monks Lagoon celebrates the canonization Father Herman and the Saint Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak is named in his honor.

In 1799, with the Russian fur trade in Russia booming, Alexander Baranov, the new head of the late Gregory Shelikoff’s company, established a new settlement of New Archangel that became the capital of Russian America. It was later to evolve into the present town of Sitka.

Sitka is located on the coast of what is now appropriately named Baranof Island.

Pride of the town is St. Michael’s Cathedral, a bright blue, onion-domed Russian Orthodox Church that dominates Sitka’s skyline. Although the original cathedral built in 1844 was destroyed by fire in 1966, the reconstructed church, where a living congregation continues to worship, features many of the icons and reliquaries that were salvaged from that fire.

The Russian Bishop’s House, part of Sitka National Historical Park, is the oldest Russian building in Sitka. Built in 1842 for the Bishop Ivan Veniaminov, now Saint Innocent, of the Orthodox church, the buildings have been restored to reflect its time as a school, chapel and residence.

The 107 acre Sitka National Historic Park also interprets the site of the battle between the Tlingits and the Russians in 1804. Battles between indigenous peoples and Russians were disastrous for Alaska Natives, as were the foreign diseases that white explorers brought to the land.

One of the more romantic attractions is the Lutheran cemetery where visitors can find the grave of Russian Princess Maksoutoff, the wife of Alaska’s last Russian governor, Dimitrii Maksoutoff.

And to complete the picture, Sitka’s own New Archangel Dancers perform authentic Russian dances for visitors to the the town – usually when the cruise ships arrive.

But the reign of the Russians in Alaska was coming to an end. Already by the early 1800s the Americans were starting to take over part of the fur trade that had been established by the Russians, and it was just a matter of time before, in 1867, US Secretary of State, William H Seward offered Russia $7,200,000, or two cents per acre, for Alaska.

Many Americans called the purchase “Seward’s Folly” and considered it a waste of money. But it wasn’t long before gold was discovered, triggering several prospector stampedes north.

Alaska became a territory in 1912 and finally a state in 1959 and the Russian occupation of Alaska became a distant memory – but for those willing to look beyond the usual attractions of a trip to Alaska, the evidence of that time, and pride in it too, lives on.

About the Author

A freelance travel writer for a number of years, Kevin Retief now publishes several travel web sites including Travel Tidings Alaska at http://www.traveltidingsalaska.com – a free Alaska travel guide about Alaska tourism and Alaska vacations with travel information on everything from Alaskan cruises to cheap hotel rates, maps and weather.

American Girl & Madame Alexander doll repair

Peep and the Big Wide World: Peep Figures It Out $6.25 PEEP FIGURES IT OUT – DVD Movie…

Broadway – The American Musical (PBS Series) $31.85 CD set that goes with PBS series. Include origianl cast recordings from many important muscials…

Peep and His Pals – Peep Explores / Chirp Flies / Quack Knows it All $16.15 PEEP AND HIS PALS – DVD Movie…

Valley of the Dolls [VHS] $8.99 They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Well, John Waters might, if he ever had a big enough budget. A steamy “inside look” at the alternately sleazy and glamorous world of catfighting, backbiting show-biz starlets, this Hollywood hit from the bestselling novel by Jacqueline Susann is a high-gloss camp artifact–a time capsule (or some kind of capsule, anyway)–from the screwy ’60s, when a broad wa…

National Geographic’s Living Treasures of Japan [VHS] $19.98 Timeless profiles of nine of Japan’s most revered artists are included in this thoughtful presentation, Living Treasures of Japan. The government of Japan selected 70 craftspeople and performing artists for their preservations of ancient arts. In return for the honor and a small annual stipend, they continue their work and teach apprentices. Among the artists profiled are a sword maker who designs…

Child of Glass [VHS] $69.99 …

The Brady Bunch – The Complete First Season $12.00 Because of Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch, writer-producer Sherwood Schwartz will forever be a TV hall-of-famer. They were his only real hits, but they were both grand slams in their prime times and have remained syndicated favorites ever since. Following closely on the Gilligan’s Island season 2 release, The Brady Bunch is ready for home theaters with a nicely designed, 4-disc set of 25 fi…

Valley of the Dolls (Special Edition) $7.24 VALLEY OF THE DOLLS SPECIAL EDITION – DVD Movie…

Word On The Street – The Hilarious Tug Of Words $9.99 Out of the Box Word On The Street – The Hilarious Tug Of WordsOn each turn, one team flips over a category card. Team members frantically brainstorm words that fit the category while the opposition tries to sidetrack them. The team must agree on a word and pull each letter of that word one lane closer to their side of the street, all before the time runs out. Word on the Street will have you …

Doll Hairbrush in Pink, For 18 Inch Dolls like American Girl Dolls, 3 Doll Wig Hair Brush $4.95 A brightly colored doll wig hairbrush that is ideal for making the perfect hairstyle. Your 18 inch doll will never have a hair out of place!…

75th Anniversary Wendy 8 Inch Alexander $100 75th Anniversary Wendy 8 Inch Alexander75TH ANNIVERSARY WENDY 8 INCH COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1998

African Safari $64.95 Madame Alexander African Safari themed doll with lion. Perhaps she’s a lion-tamer (hopefully not a la Monty Python).

Alexander Dolls Favorite Friends First Day of School Play Doll $44.95 Favorite Friends First Day Of School 18-inch Play Doll wears a red-and-black checked corduroy dress with black felt buttons and short puffed sleeves. Black soutache trims the hem of the dress, worn over a moss green jersey-knit crew T-shirt. Her outfit is coordinated with moss green tights, black flock knee-high boots, plus four multi-colored scrunchies in her hair. Brown eyes and long, curly, center-parted black hair.

Alexander Elvis Presley Blue Suede Shoes W/guitar $57.86 Alexander Elvis Presley Blue Suede Shoes W/guitar8 INCH DOLL

Alexander Summer Porcelain Doll $61.48 Alexander Summer Porcelain Doll

Alfred 00-EL9735 We Love a Piano- Duets We Love to Play – Music Book $22.02 Alfred Music Publishing is the world s largest educational music publisher. Alfred produces educational #44; reference #44; pop #44; and performance materials for teachers #44; students #44; professionals #44; and hobbyists spanning every musical instrument #44; style #44; and difficulty level. Titles are: Alexander apos;s Ragtime Band * Almost Like Being in Love * For Me and My Gal * Georgia on My Mind * Give My Regards to Broadway * I Love a Piano * It apos;s a Most Unusual Day * Peg o apos; My Heart * Play a Simple Melody * A Pretty Girl * Put On a Happy Face * Rialto Ripples * Satin Doll * They Don apos;t Believe Me and more.

All Star 8 Inch Alexander $50 All Star 8 Inch AlexanderALL STAR 8 INCH ALEXANDER DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1993

All That Jazz Alexander Doll $79.95 8 inch doll, bent-knee, Wendy doll with blue eyes and ivory bobbed hair, is decked out in a drop-waist, pink satin dress that is ruffled at the bottom and embellished with a pink flare underskirt. Black soutache details the hem of the dress. Yellow patent Mary Janes, nude pantyhose and a black, 3-strand, seed pearl necklace completes her outfit which is topped off by a pink hat that features a yellow rose and comes with a black trumpet.

An American In Paris 10 Inch Madame Alexander Doll $85.71 An American In Paris 10 Inch Madame Alexander Doll

An Apple A Day $84.95 Madame Alexander An Apple a Day Collectible Doll Doctor Nurse

Ann Boyln 16 Inch Madame Alexander Doll $178.6 Ann Boyln 16 Inch Madame Alexander Doll

Ariel Little Mermaid 18 Inch Alexander Doll $35.71 Ariel Little Mermaid 18 Inch Alexander Doll

Armenia $79.95 Madame Alexander International 8 Doll 507 Armenia Miniature Showcase

Austria Boy 8 Inch Alexander Collector Doll $65 Austria Boy 8 Inch Alexander Collector DollALEXANDER AUSTRIA BOY COLLECTOR 8 INCH DOLL NEW IN ORIGINAL BOX A REAL FIND FROM 1973 DISCONTINUED ITEM

Belle Starr Limited Edition Madame Alexander Doll $114.53 Belle Starr Limited Edition Madame Alexander Doll10 INCH MADAME ALEXANDER DOLL

Belle Watling Gone With The Wind Alexander Doll $67.86 Belle Watling Gone With The Wind Alexander Doll

Bellous Anne 14 Inch Alexander $75 Bellous Anne 14 Inch AlexanderBELLOUS ANN 14 INCH ALEXANDER DOLL DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1989 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF DOLL MAKE AN OFFER 801 277 7056

Beth Little Women Alexander Doll $60.71 Beth Little Women Alexander Doll

Blushing Butterflies Brunette $119.95 From the ManufacturerThe Pussycat is a traditional style baby doll that has been in the Alexander Doll line for dozens of years. She has a soft body with vinyl head, arms and legs. Blushing Butterflies has brunette hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a pink corduroy jumper with embroidered butterflies. Her eyes open and close. She is 14 , and is safe for children to play with. The perfect baby doll. Ages 3+.Product DescriptionThe Pussycat Series of baby dolls by Madame Alexander are 14 inches tall. They have an adorable face, vinyl arms and legs, and a soft body. They are perfect for a child’s first baby doll. She has brunette hair tied into pigtails. She is wearing a pink corduroy jumper with a white blouse. A classic Madame Alexander baby doll!

Bonjour Butterfly $79.95 Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly is an 8-inch Wendy doll with brown eyes and red hair with orange and pink highlights. This Wendy wears a pink polka dot dress with yellow butterflies and a white blouse. She also wears white socks and pink sandals. Pearl crown and butterfly antennae are included. Released in 2009, Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly is a part of the Storyland collection and is recommended for ages 14 and up. This Madame Alexander doll carries on the tradition of The Alexander Doll Company, which has been known for its elegant and beautifully costumed dolls for over 80 years.

Bonnie Blue Butler Gone With The Wind Alexander Doll $65.38 Bonnie Blue Butler Gone With The Wind Alexander Doll

Bonnie Blue Goes To London 8 Inch Alexander Collector D $125 Bonnie Blue Goes To London 8 Inch Alexander Collector DBONNIE BLUE GOES TO LONDON ALEXANDER 8 INCH COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCOUNTINUED ITEM A REAL FIND FROM 1993

Brazil International Alexander Doll $147.06 Brazil International Alexander Doll

Bride 10 Inch Alexander Collector Doll $75 Bride 10 Inch Alexander Collector DollBRIDE 10 INCH ALEXANDER COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1990

Bride 1920s 10 Inch Alexander Collector Doll $100 Bride 1920s 10 Inch Alexander Collector Doll1920′S BRIDE 10 INCH ALEXANDER COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1995

Captain Hook Musical Stage Version Alexander Doll $85.71 Captain Hook Musical Stage Version Alexander Doll8 INCH DOLL

Charlotte’s Web Farm Animal Friends $79.95 From the ManufacturerThe tradition of Madame Alexander ContinuesThe Alexander Doll Company continues to create dolls to delight new generations of doll lovers while honoring Madame Alexander’s original vision and standards. Our signature collectibles like 8 Wendy and Maggie continue to be designed with those special details and accessories that have been the hallmark of the Madame Alexander brand for 86 years. Our newest collections combine classic and contemporary characters with quality materials to create dolls that reflect the ultimate in beauty and design excellence.Product DescriptionWendy has blue eyes and long gay gold braids that are tied with red ribbon and worn with bangs. Her yellow pinafore style dress has a light blue, cotton underskirt that is embellished with a farmyard scene. A lace trimmed, white petticoat, white lace knickers, white socks and blue patent Mary Jane’s completes her look. As for her friends….her stuffed pig and spider go with her wherever she goes. Ages 14 and up. 8 Height

China International Alexander Doll $73.04 China International Alexander Doll

Christopher Robin and Pooh $84.95 The charming characters from Disney classic films have played a special part in the history of the Alexander Doll Company since the 1930′s.Christopher is dressed in denim colored shorts and a yellow shirt with a white hat. He has blonde hair and light brown eyes. His socks are white and his shoes are brown patent leather with side snap. His friend Winnie the Pooh is ceramic.

Cinderellas Wicked Stepmother $74.95 Madame Alexander 8 Wicked Stepmother doll features dramatic face paint and white-streaked black hair pulled into a bun. Dressed in a black velvet dress with red brocade peplum, black pantaloons, a red tulle petticoat, red and white striped stockings, and black pointy shoes. Collectible Doll from the 2005 Storyland series.

City Mouse $74.95 From the ManufacturerStorybook Enchantment! Fairy Tales and other works of literature have always been a source for Madame Alexander’s most captivating creations. Our new versions of these storybook favorites capture the essence of their character’s enduring charm, and are destined to delight new generations of children. This lovely girl includes a city mouse figurine.Product DescriptionBRAND NEW MADAME COLLECTIBLE DOLL FROM THE STORYBOOK COLLECTION.

Classically Cute Victoria $99.95 MADAME ALEXANDER DOLLS PRESENTS:Classically Cute’ Victoria – Baby 14 inch doll This 14 inch baby doll, with blue eyes and light brown, sculpted and painted hair, is dressed in a traditional baby sack which features a long-sleeved ivory top and an iridescent, pink taffeta bubble bottom that has a drawstring waist. Hand crocheted, ivory scalloped trim at the neck and the waist along with an ivory satin bow adds a sweet touch. A matching hat and pink cotton bloomers completes her look.

Cloth Madeline 18 Inch $39.99 The Madame Alexander 18 inch Madeline Rag Doll is dressed in her signature school uniform and yellow hat, and she is ready for fun. Her soft polyester body is stuffed with rags, so she is wonderfully pleasing to hold. Invite Madeline to a tea party or sleepover and the imaginative adventure will begin! Weight: 9 oz. For over 80 years, the finest dolls have been made by Madame Alexander. Based on storybook characters, world cultures, and even beloved cartoons, their quality and craftsmanship are beyond compare. Best of all, they make wonderful playmates, inspiring endless hours and years of imaginative adventures.

Coca Cola Celebrates America Madame Alexander Doll $135.3 Coca Cola Celebrates America Madame Alexander Doll

Coco Cola 10 Inch Alexander Doll $90 Coco Cola 10 Inch Alexander DollCOCO COLA ALEXANDER 10 INCH COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1997

Collector’s Encyclopedia Of Madame Alexander Dolls 1948-1965 $24.95 Concentrating on Cissy, Lissy, Cissette, Alexander-Kins, Little Genius, and Elise, this book continues the theme of the late Patricia Smith”s Encyclopedia of Madame Alexander Dolls, 1965-1990, which was a great seller for many years. This encyclopedia spans the years 1948 through 1965, which covers the vintage hard plastic dolls of the golden era of Madame Alexander dolls. Most of the highest valued dolls today were made during this period. The dolls from this era consistently win top honors in competition at the national conventions of the Madame Alexander Doll Club. Many of the dolls that began in this period (Cissy, Wendy, and Cissette) are the center of the Madame Alexander line today, after a time span of almost 50 years. You won”t want to miss this exhaustive resource on the dolls made by the Madame Alexander Doll Company. 2006 values.

Collector’s Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls 1900-1950 $29.95 This second volume makes American composition dolls more accessible to collectors by presenting hundreds of clear photographs and new research in this field. Marionettes and puppets are new features in this volume. Fifty of those marionettes were sold exclusively by the Madame Alexander Doll Company, and photos of complete sets like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are displayed. Composition doll collecting as it relates to the Internet is also a new section covered in this volume, as well as questions most often asked by collectors. A biography of Harriet Flanders, creator of Little Cherub, is included. 2004 values.

Collector’s Guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s $24.95 This doll book has all-new photographs and no repeats from the first volume. Well-known dolls featured include Barbie, Blythe, Sears exclusive Mini Martians, Thumbelina, Liddle Kiddles, Tressy, Tammy, Peteena, celebrity dolls, pull-string talking dolls, battery-operated walking dolls, and many more. Dolls from all the major toy companies are covered – Madame Alexander, Deluxe Reading, Hasbro, Horsman, Ideal, Kenner, Mattel, Remco, Shindana, Uneeda, and Vogue. Like the first book, the dolls are grouped according to manufacturer for easy identification. 2004 values.

Cossack 8 Inch Alexander Doll $60 Cossack 8 Inch Alexander DollCOSSACK ALEXANDER 8 INCH COLLECTOR DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1989

Count Me to Sleep – My First Huggums $59.95 The Madame Alexander Count Me to Sleep My First Huggums Baby Doll is absolutely adorable. She features blue eyes and light brown painted hair and wears a long-sleeved onesie under a pink and green sleep sack. The attached onesie, white with printed flowers, is trimmed in pink. Her sleep sack features a darling scene of sheep jumping a fence, and the embroidered words count me to sleep, across the front. A soft pink and green cap completes Count Me To Sleep My First Huggums. 12 tall For ages 3 and up.

Country Mouse $74.95 From the ManufacturerStorybook Enchantment! Fairy Tales and other works of literature have always been a source for Madame Alexander’s most captivating creations. Our new versions of these storybook favorites capture the essence of their character’s enduring charm, and are destined to delight new generations of children. This lovely girl includes a country mouse figurine.Product DescriptionAdorable doll with Freckes and blonde hair – pony tails. RARER doll with Thin mouth.

Cowardly Lion Wizard Of Oz Alexander Doll $61.48 Cowardly Lion Wizard Of Oz Alexander Doll

Croquet Match $94.99 Croquet Match is from Madame Alexander’s Americana collection, and wears an adorable white sleeveless summer dress and a spring green sweater tied around her shoulder. Croquet Match even comes with her own croquet set. She is an 8′ Wendy Doll from the Alexander Doll Company. A white enamel doll stand is included free of charge with the purchase of this Croquet Match collectible doll.

Daddys Sweetheart Alexander Huggums Doll $42.86 Daddys Sweetheart Alexander Huggums Doll

December 14 Inch Alexander $85 December 14 Inch AlexanderDECEMBER 14 INCH ALEXANDER DOLL IN ORIGINAL BOX DISCONTINUED A REAL FIND FROM 1989

Defying Gravity Elphaba Wicked Alexander Doll $107.1 Defying Gravity Elphaba Wicked Alexander Doll

Dollmakers and Their Stories: Women Who Changed the World of Play $52.95 Dolls are not a luxury. They are as necessary to a child’s life as a loaf of bread . . . What a doll does for a little girl is develop her capacity to love others and herself. -Madame Alexander A wonderful offering for young doll enthusiasts and women’s history buffs alike This fascinating book tells the stories of courageous dollmakers, all of whom were-and continue to be-filled with passion, vision, and determination. They are the unsung heroines behind some of the most important dolls of the last hundred years-such as Barbie (Ruth Handler) and Madame Alexander’s collection (Beatrice Alexander). Entrepreneurs and feminists of their time, these strong women displayed both creative genius and astute business acumen, serving as excellent role models for today’s young female readers.

Emerald City Guard $79.95 Madame Alexander doll from the Wizard of Oz Collection dressed in a green knit dressed fulled lined with white knit. White hood attached to green pleated cape and trimmed with green sequins. Separate green sequined headdress edged with white gimp braid trim. Outfit is finished with plain green velvet flat shoes.

Emerald Isle International Alexander Doll $73.08 Emerald Isle International Alexander Doll

Endora $120 Madame Alexander’s Endora Cissette was Samantha’s mother from one of Americas most unforgettable television series, Bewitched. This show was originally aired in 1964. Endora Cissette comes dressed in her classic emerald green pants set, and signature wild red head of hair. A white enamel doll stand is included free of charge with the purchase of this Madame Alexander collectible doll.