Creech, Sara Lee

The Saralee Doll created by Sara Lee Creech in 1948 and manufactured from 1950-53 illuminated issues--gender, race and even American business histories. The doll was one of the forerunners of modern black doll manufacturing in the United States. In the period between the end of World War II and the end of the Korean Conflict, the Black American image was devalued but Creech attempted to change that image. Creech hoped that the creation of mass-marketed quality black doll would aid children of all races in developing understanding and respect for other people and cultures. After it was discontinued, it took more than a decade and a half and the catalyst of the civil rights movement before quality black dolls became a staple in the mass American toy market. Creech's struggle to bring the doll to market parallels the Black American struggle for acceptance within society. The creation of the Saralee doll, its promotion, production and eventual demise are an important reflection of the social context of the United States in the late 1940's and early 1950's.