They had to find another doll artist who could create the lifelike faces that made Lee's dolls tops in the industry.īe it divine intervention, or a just a stroke of good luck, a little known Canadian doll artist would soon take Middleton Doll in a whole new direction. Company officials had little time to mourn Lee's death. Middleton Doll continued to lead the vinyl doll industry for more than a decade, but in 1997 an unexpected shock forced employees to examine the future of the company. Concerned adults who saw "babies" trapped inside hot cars called rescue squads and shoppers would scold parents for leaving their "babies" on store counters. Soon, sales expanded to new venues and Middleton Doll released new dolls that looked even more realistic, thus creating tales of mistaken identity. This honor helped establish vinyl as a collectible medium. Doll Reader Magazine nominated Lee's first vinyl baby doll, "First Moments," for a "Doll of the Year" award. In 1985, the doll community not only embraced Lee's creations, but also nominated her unique work for national awards. ![]() The facility produced more baby dolls a year than any other manufacturer in America, and the Mayor of Belpre declared the city to be "The Baby Doll Capital of the World." In 1989, Lee opened a manufacturing facility in Belpre, Ohio. Word spread quickly about Lee's talent and she soon found herself in charge of an unexpected "cottage industry." Supply and demand forced Lee to continuously find larger locations for production. Lee Middleton sculpted her first dolls to look like her own two children, and soon, relatives and friends asked Lee to sculpt dolls that looked like their children. Dolls by Middleton Doll set the standard for excellence. Designed to look like real babies, each doll by Middleton Doll is sculpted by an award-winning doll artist who incorporates incredible detail into every crease, fold, and curve. Every year, Middleton Doll introduces more than 100 new dolls in various skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, and sizes. Starting with the unique artistry of its founder, Lee Middleton, the company is recognized by doll enthusiasts as the industry leader of vinyl collectible baby dolls. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or deposits can be made to Cariboo Vantage Mural at the Bank of Montreal to go towards a mural for the residents of Cariboo Place to enjoy.Middleton Doll captured the beauty and innocence of childhood more than 30 years ago, and the company's commitment to quality continues today. The family will be holding a private graveside service and memorial due to Covid restrictions. Magnuson and the wonderful staff at Cariboo Place in Williams Lake. She spent her last 2 years under the incredible care of Dr. ![]() Her three grandsons, Noah (Amy) and Brandon and Tyler. Her two sons Dale (Lore) and Chip (Andrea). ![]() She has left behind many who care about her. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grand Mother and Great Grandmother. She touched the hearts and lives of everyone she met. She was most widely known for her work with Lee Middletown Dolls and Puppen-Traumland as a sculptor. Reva worked at the post office for many years, but was best known as an incredible sculptor, painter and all-round artist. While Heaven gained an amazing Angel, we will sorely miss her on Earth. ![]() It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Reva Schick passed away peacefully on May 27th at the age of 72.
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