By John M. Holman,
Former Tuck Museum Curator — 1970-1983

Hampton Historical Society


THE “GOODY” COLE DOLL — Hampton Selectman Cliff Pratt is pictured with the Goody Cole doll originally crafted by his mother, Ruth (Moir) Pratt in 1938 [Atlantic News Photos by Bill Teschek]

HAMPTON – The TUCK MEMORIAL MUSEUM is looking for a “Goody” Cole doll which was sold at Tobey’s Drug Store during the town’s 300th Anniversary celebration during 1938. Any one having one and wishing to donate it to the Museum, please contact the Hampton Historical Society at 40 Park Avenue, Hampton.

Background on the doll was contained in an article written in a July 7, 1938 issue of Hampton Union and we quote the story in its entirety: “The official Goody Cole Doll designed by Miss Ruth Moir of Hampton, direct descendant of one of the first settlers of Hampton, is now on sale at Tobey’s Drug store.

“This doll which has the official approval of the Hampton Tercentenary Committee, is very unique, and will bring pleasure not only to many small, misses of this town and the many who will visit here during Hampton’s Tercentenary, but to their elders as well.

“It is expected that many will avail themselves of the opportunity to purchase these dolls as a very striking souvenir of the Tercentenary that Hampton celebrates this year.

“The doll has the face of a very pleasant elderly lady with movable head, arms and legs and can be completely laundered.

“The costume worn is the official costume worn during the years of “Goody” Cole’s life when laws such as the following were passed:

‘A woman is forbidden to expose her arms and this part of her person to view.’

‘It was ordered that their sleeves should reach down to their wrists.’

‘The gown should be closed around the neck.’


This is a close-up of the doll.

‘Men were obliged to cut their hair short so as not to be taken for women.’

‘No person not worth 200 pounds was allowed to wear linen or silk hoods or scarfs, or to wear gold or silver laces or linens.’

“A census against these laws was presentable before the Grand Jury and those who dressed above their rank were to be assessed accordingly.


A close-up of the Goody Cole Doll.

“The doll has a hood of green with,green over dress, pinned up in the back as was the manner of the women of that time, when not attending important functions.

“This over-dress at these times was let down, forming a complete skirt for formal wear.

“The underskirt is of red and the shoes and undergarments are in accordance with those worn in that period.

Miss Moir, who is a native of Cambridge, Mass. has been a summer visitor at the home of her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lamprey , Locke road, since early childhood and became interested in designing the “Goody” Cole Doll about three months ago after considerable research work at the Boston Public Library and various other authoritative sources. The doll is most attractive and will sell for a nominal cost.”


This is the tag which is on the “Goody” Cole Doll.