Annalee Creations: From chicken coop to collectible

We recently started working on a large estate in the south end of the county with hundreds of Annalee dolls so I thought it might be time for a reminder of the story of this talented artist. What started with felt scraps and a freehand paintbrush during the Great Depression has blossomed into a beloved New Hampshire tradition, a “once-upon-a-time story” of a cottage industry that made it nationally big. Over 80 years later, the unique “magic” of Annalee Dolls continues to bring smiles to generations from its home base in picturesque Meredith.

The tale centers around Annalee Thorndike, a woman whose childhood hobby became a necessity after the family chicken farm failed in the early 1950s. With typical Yankee ingenuity, the old chicken coop was repurposed into a design studio. Annalee became the artist, drawing inspiration from the playful activities of her two young sons, while her husband, Chip, took on the role of salesman.

This resourceful beginning gave birth to whimsical, mischievous dolls, each infused with “positive-ness” and a signature smile. “If you smile, someone else has got to smile back,” Annalee once said, a philosophy that became the guiding principle behind every creation, from Christmas elves to Easter frogs.

The business flourished in the 1950s and ’60s, focusing on human figures engaged in everyday activities. A unique “homeworker” model, where a small staff worked from their own homes, was utilized until 2001.

The 1970s introduced what would become a collector favorite: “The Mouse for Every House.” These charming little critters, with their various expressions and personas, cemented Annalee’s place in the holiday and seasonal decoration market. The 1980s solidified their status as true collectibles, with Santa figures, elves, and animals becoming core parts of family holiday traditions.

Annalee passed away in 2002, but her cheerful legacy endures. The company remains a vibrant part of the Lakes Region community, operating out of the same charming town. The Annalee Gift Shop at 339 Daniel Webster Highway welcomes thousands of visitors annually from around the world, all seeking a piece of that special, life-celebrating whimsy.  Check out the Annalee creations on your favorite search engine and see what is new!  Happy Collecting!