
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995                   TAG: 9505230002
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: C-24   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FINDING TREASURES IN CORNHUSKS

Cornhusk dolls were made by the pioneer mothers for their little girls. They would take the corn husks and soak them in hot water or steam them; this made the husk flexible. Then once dried, they retained their form. The dolls reflected the pioneer's need for improvisation. One doll may have hair made out of cornsilk and a shawl made out of corn husks.

If there was any calico material to spare, you may find some used to make an apron. Mothers would take berry juices and dye the husk or walnut shells to make hats.

How did the idea come about? Well, corn was a way of life in the Plains States. Husks were used to stuff mattresses and cornbread was served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Toasted corn was added to coffee; cornsilk to tobacco. A very common breakfast entree was popcorn with sorghum molasses and milk. Corn on the cob, corn soup and popcorn pudding could make for a good meal. Then on Saturday night there probably was a bit of whiskey made from corn mash.

It's said the settler's children loved the cornhusk dolls made by Indians, but there was a difference between the dolls. The settlers added faces; Indians believed a face would give the doll a soul. These dolls didn't last long when played with, so making them was something done in most households. But, be it cornhusk, corn cob, rag or stick - no matter how simple the doll - there was no less excitement in a little girl's face when given a new doll.

by CNB