In the late 1930's, American doll designer, Mary Hoyer, introduced her first doll, and with it changed the course of doll manufacturing and marketing. She also influenced the lives of countless children over four generations and produced a collection of play dolls which remains prized today.  

Following a career hallmarked by success, Mary Hoyer concluded the production of her famous dolls in the late 1960's, much to the disappointment of a myriad of children and adults everywhere. But the cessation of manufacturing of Mary Hoyer Dolls did not diminish public demand for these endearing dolls. Rather, Mary Hoyer Dolls have come to command dominant prices in the "Secondary Market" among fine collectors.  

After a hiatus of over 20 years, Mary Hoyer, with her granddaughter, Mary Lynne Saunders, introduced a new Mary Hoyer Doll: "The Doll With The Magic Wand." This enchanting doll represented the first in a series of seven characters from the fairy tale, The Doll With the Magic Wand, written by Mary Hoyer for her granddaughter when she was a child. Production of "The Doll with the Magic Wand" Collection began in 1990 and was completed in December 31, 1997. Each storybook character in the Mary Hoyer Collection was produced in a limited edition of 2,000. The first doll was accompanied by a charmingly illustrated First Edition, hard-bound copy of Mary Hoyer's fairy tale. Subsequent character dolls in the Mary Hoyer Collection included: The Little Princess Tyrina; her friend, Bogie, a small servant boy and his father, Peblo; the wondrously majestic King and Queen; and the sweet handservant, Mandy. All of the dolls in this lovely collection were dressed in costumes of intricate detailing, typical of Mary Hoyer's designer talents.  

The introduction of this collection had a special meaning for Mary Hoyer: "I am delighted to be able to introduce my own great-granddaughter to a world of imagination and play that my daughter and granddaughter know and loved. To know that many other children will also share in this special doll means that I've helped to touch still another generation of children and perhaps, help them grow and learn from a doll that has been designed to let their own creativity and imagination soar. This is the most gratifying part of my career."  

The process of introducing the new Mary Hoyer Doll Collection began in 1985 as a dream, a Sunday afternoon conversation between Mary Lynne and her grandmother. Mary Hoyer designed the costumes and Mary Lynne coordinated the book design and publication, as well as the doll design. The many hours they shared together proved to be an enjoyable, creative adventure.  

The production of the Mary Hoyer Doll has always been a family intensive project and this new endeavor proved to be the same. Just as Mary Hoyer's husband, William an executive with the former Berkshire Knitting Mills, became fully engaged in the family business of doll and doll accessory manufacturing and marketing, so too has Mary Lynne's husband, Fred Saunders, become an important source of support for this venture, playing a major role in the designing of the new Mary Hoyer dolls' articulated arms and legs, as well as manufacturing and shipping.  

After the success of the Doll With the Magic Wand Collection, Mary Lynne began production of the "Let's Play Mary Hoyer" play doll. This doll was a continuation of Mary Hoyer's original idea of a play doll that you can design and dress yourself. What is unique and fun about these dolls is that you can choose your doll's hair color, hair style, and eye color. Your doll is custom tailored for you. A boy play doll was available, as well! Each doll came undressed in a box, with a pair of panties, and a 13 piece pattern to sew your own clothes for your dolly. Our ever-expanding Mary Hoyer wardrobe is designed for your play doll. Thelovely collection of accessories, including hats, jewelry, purses, belts, camping and golf gear, formal wear, and gardening tools, were available.  Doll furniture designed for the new play dolls is now available as well.  

After five years of this successful adventure, Mary Hoyer now embarks on a delightful new series--the museum collection. In addition, a classic series of more traditional designs with costumes are delightful and elegant.

The Mary Hoyer Doll Company continues to make annual limited edition holiday dolls and other small editions for special occasions. Doll club luncheons and doll conventions are held throughout the year. If your club is having a special event and you want to use Mary Hoyer dolls or special outfits, please contact us.