| In 1959 Mattel created Barbie. Unlike other dolls, of | | | | a clinic and even a plane. |
| that era, Barbie was not an innocent baby doll, but a | | | | Barbie has enjoyed the adventures of more careers |
| "women" doll. She was all grown-up and very pretty. | | | | than 10 women in a lifetime. She has been an |
| Little did we know Barbie would become an American | | | | astronaut, an Olympic athlete, a presidential |
| icon and girls would emulate her for many years. | | | | candidate, and a flight attendant just to name a few. |
| Barbie quickly became the most popular and fastest | | | | Mattel has also added a different Barbie to represent |
| selling doll to date. It was evident, almost | | | | other nations including Hispanic Barbie and |
| immediately, that Mattel could design an entire line of | | | | African-American Barbie. |
| toys around Barbie. | | | | As she turns 50, she celebrates a friendship with five |
| In 1961, they created Barbie's first boyfriend. His | | | | generations. Some women in there fifties and sixties |
| name was Ken. He was "tall, dark, handsome" and a | | | | still own their first Barbie dolls. Many buy, trade and |
| perfect compliment to Barbie's statuesque beauty. In | | | | collect Barbies as a serious hobby. You can find |
| the coming years, Mattel would also design five | | | | several websites that will teach you about Barbie |
| sisters and several girlfriends for Barbie; however, | | | | collectibles including how to identify the original dolls. |
| Midge was always her best friend. | | | | There are sites to assist in your search for more |
| Throughout the decades, many accessories have | | | | dolls or how you can sell your collection if you think |
| been added to this toy line. Barbie's first pet was | | | | the price is right.. |
| Dancer a horse, but she has had other horses and | | | | Vintage dolls were manufactured between 1959 and |
| many dogs and cats too. | | | | 1972 and are extremely valuable. Be sure to purchase |
| Other accessories included her sports car, her farm | | | | any doll from that era you find. If she is in her original |
| and, at least ten houses. She also has owned a spa, | | | | box and in good condition, she is even more special. |