Barbie.....We Love You!!!

The original Barbie doll made her debut on March 9, 1959. A woman named Ruth Handler was the creator of Barbie. The doll, designed after a German doll named Bila Lilli, was named for Ruth's daughter, Barbara. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Lilli's production was discontinued after the Handler's bought the Lilli line.

Ruth Handler's husband was Elliot Handler, the co-founder of Mattel Toy Company. Hence....Mattel manufactured the Barbie doll.  Ken was introduced as Barbie's boyfriend in 1964. His full name is Ken Carson.

The original Barbie doll wore a zebra striped bathing suit. Barbie was manufactured in Japan with Japanese homeworkers producing the fabulous Barbie clothes line. The first year 350,000 Barbies were sold at a price of $3.00 each!!!!

Barbie has evolved over the years. I was born in 1952. I owned some of the first Barbie dolls ever made...Boy, do I wish I had those dolls now.