Have you ever wandered over to the first floor of Farley Library and noticed a Dollhouse tucked along the back wall near the Stark and Farley rooms and wondered about their origins? Have you ever wondered how Wilkes University acquired such an amazing display of artistic craftsmanship?
Wilkes University Archives is excited to finally share with you the history of Mrs. Mignonette Fisher’s Dollhouse! Mrs. Fisher toured all over the Wyoming Valley from the 1950s through 1970s with her impressive miniatures until 1977 when Farley Library became its permanent home.
This ten room Dollhouse features rooms displaying the belongings of families from various historical eras, from a Colonial Bedroom and 18th century Drawing Room, to a Gothic Library and Victorian Room, from Pennsylvania Dutch and Early American Kitchens, to a Country Store and Antique Store, and a Penthouse and Game Room.
Thanks to Grad Archives worker Jessica Van Orden, we now have a digital exhibit that takes you through the cultural and historical movements that inspired the interior design of these Dollhouse rooms, and explores the incredibly talented work of Mrs. Fisher and how her hobby helped fundraise for various causes.
Feel free to check it out digitally here or stop by in person to see it for yourself!