| The history of dollhouses is one that has led to the | | | | Dollhouses are often passed down from generation |
| delight of children as well as adults. It is believed that | | | | to generation. This allows for families to spend time |
| the origin of the dollhouse can be dated back over | | | | together and even play together. It can be a |
| 400 years, although true documentation did not begin | | | | wonderful experience between parent and child. |
| until much later in the 1800's. Regardless of when the | | | | 4) At some point, although a specific time is |
| dollhouse was first introduced, the history is rich with | | | | unknown, dollhouses transcended from a child's toy |
| the stories of the children and adults who have been | | | | into a valuable possession and collectable. Dollhouses |
| swept away by the magic of the dollhouse. | | | | were played with less and displayed more behind |
| 1) It is believed that dollhouses originated as early as | | | | glass. Each ornate piece became more valuable as |
| the 1500's. At this time, it was only the children of | | | | time went on. This still continues today. There are an |
| wealthy aristocrats who were given such a | | | | abundance of dollhouse museums that showcase the |
| spectacular toy. These dollhouses were not often | | | | true beauty of these collections and also the history |
| designed based on the mansions and castles of the | | | | behind them. |
| aristocrat's homes, but were certainly more ornate | | | | 5) Children today are not left without the magic of |
| than the houses of commoners. At this time they | | | | the dollhouse, but it has changed dramatically over |
| were used to provide the children with entertainment | | | | the years. Barbie introduced the world to her "Dream |
| and nothing more. | | | | Home" and since then, most children are presented |
| 2) It wasn't until the 1800's in Germany that | | | | with dollhouses made of plastic. While these make |
| dollhouses began to be manufactured on a large | | | | wonderful toys, there is certainly something lacking |
| scale. While the houses and furnishings were still | | | | from the beautiful wooden dollhouses of years ago. |
| handmade, they became more elaborate thanks to | | | | These dollhouses come complete with furnishings and |
| newer and more intricate tools that were available. | | | | dolls. This takes a bit of the adventure out of finding |
| These dollhouses were made for the masses, so | | | | new treasures to place in the dollhouse. |
| that not just children of the wealthy could own them. | | | | The history of the dollhouse is not very complex, but |
| While they were still out of reach of those children | | | | neither is the joy that these "toys" can bring. The |
| with little money, families with some means were | | | | dollhouse has given children endless hours of |
| able to give their children a beautiful dollhouse. | | | | entertainment and adults the chance to create a |
| 3) Throughout the years, dollhouses have silently | | | | beautiful collection of miniatures. Regardless of where |
| taught children about family life and growing into | | | | the future of dollhouses goes, it is sure that |
| adulthood. They have also provided a creative outlet | | | | dollhouses will be beloved by all. |
| for the imaginations of generations of children. | | | | |