Advance Doll and Toy Co was started by Edward Ardolino in 1947,  Born in New Haven Ct in 1921, he was raised in West Haven Ct. In 1945, WWII he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he was sent to Burma where he was a member of the Flying Tigers.

After the war, he settled in Branford Ct. and became a successful businessman. Edward along with his brothers and sisters, worked at their fathers company, Universal Metal Stamping, and he started his entrepreneurial career and several successful business ventures. He formed Advance Doll and Toy Co. West Haven, Ct. and was co-owner with his brother Anthony Ardolino in 1947. Universal Metal Stamping name was changed to Universal Industries which developed manufacturing and Aerospace coatings that held the original patent for high temp aircraft engine coating material. His brother Anthony Ardolino, which was a co-owner and developed two patents including Winnie the Walking and Talking Doll, that was manufactured by Advance Doll and Toy, West Haven, Ct in 1953. Wanda the Walking Doll was invented in 1950 by A. Romano, and was produced by Advance Doll and Toy and ready for stores in 1951. Saks Fifth Ave actually ran an ad in June of 1950 for a "Sophie Original" line on the Wanda Walker Dolls, by special order only I assume, on a short run of early Wanda Walkers. The Partnership in Advance Dolls parted ways in and around 1956. Edward Ardolino, We Thank You. Very special Thanks to Tama Ardolino for all the information she has provided.